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Portrait and 

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MARION AND HARDIN 
COUNTIES, OHIO 

Gontaining Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent 
and Representative Citizens of the Counties 

Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents 

of the United States ^^ 



tti^CAGO; 

CHAPMAN PUBLISHING CO. 

1895 




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pi^Ep/^?E. 




51 IE greatest of English historians, MACAUL.VY,and one of the most brilliant writers of 
the present century, has said: "The history of a country is best told in a record of the 
lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the ToKTiiAiT and BiO(ii!AnMrAi. 
Ke( OKI) of this county has '\?eu prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and 
taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, oui 
corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by then 
enterprise and industry, brought the county to rank second to none among those 
comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life 
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli- 
gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the 
imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by 
industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited 
advantages for seeming an education, have become learned men and women, with an 
intlueuce extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who 
have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have 
become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and 
records bow that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very 
many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way," content 
to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of merc^' — "they have done what 
they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the 
anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-rooin, left every trade and profession, and at their country's 
call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace 
once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not 
be lost upon those who follow after. 

Coining generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact 
that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be 
inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible 
given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers (Latter them 
selves that they give to their readers n work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biograph 
ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given. 

The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the 
publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the 
information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of 
the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opi)osition tlie support of the interested 
one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though repeated calls were made 
at their residence or place of business. 

June. IK'.);'), Chapman riui.isiiiNc CoMrwv. 



Portraits and Biographies 



PRBSIDBNTS 



United States. 




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PRESIDENTS 





C;i':ORGIv WASillNGTON. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



y HE Father of our Country was born in West- 
iC nioreland County, Va., February 22, 1732. 
Vy His parents were Augustine and Mar>- (Ball) 
Washington. The family to which he belonged 
has not been satisfactorily traced in England. 
His great-grandfather, John Washington, emi- 
grated to Virginia about 1657, and became a 
prosperous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence 
and John. The former married Mildred Wanier, 
and had three children, John, Augustine and 
Mildred. Augustine, the father of George, finst 
married Jane Butler, who bore him four children, 
two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached 
maturity. Of six children by his second mar- 
riage, George was the eldest, the others being 
Betty, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and 
Mildred. 

Auguiitine Washington, the father of George, 
died in 1743, leaving a large landed property. 
To his eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an 
estate on the Potomac, afterwards known as Mt. i 
Vernon, and to George he left the parental resi- 
dence. George received only such education as 
the neighborhood schools afforded, save for a 
short time after he left school, when he received 
private instruction in mathematics. His spelling 
was rather defective. Remarkable stories are 
told of his great physical strength and develop- 
ment at an early age. He was an acknowledged 
\eader among his companions, and was early 
QOted for that nobleness of character, fairness and 
veracity which characterized his whole life. 

When George was fourteen years old he had a 
desire to go to sea, and a midshipman's warrant 
was secured for him, but through the opposition 
of his mother the idea was abandoned. Two 



years later he was appointed surveyor to the im- 
mense estate of Lord Fairfax. In this business 
he spent three years in a rough frontier life, 
gaining experience which afterwards proved very 
essential to him. Li 1751, though only nineteen 
years of age, he was appointed Adjutant, with the 
rank of Major, in the Virginia militia, then being 
trained for active service against the French and 
Indians. Soon after this he sailed to the West 
Indies with his brother Lawrence, who went there 
to restore his health. They soon returned, and 
in the summer of 1752 Lawrence died, leaving a 
large fortune to an infant daughter, who did not 
long survive him. On her demise the estate of 
Mt. Vernon was given to George. 

Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie as Lieu- 
tenant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia 
was reorganized, and the province divided into 
four military districts, of which the northern was 
assigned to Washington as Adjutant-General. 
Shortly after this a verj' perilous mission, which 
others had refused, was assigned him and ac- 
cepted. This was to proceed to the French post 
near Lake Erie, in northwestern Pennsjlvania. 
The distance to be traversed was about six hun- 
dred miles. Winter was at hand, and the journey 
was to be made without military escort, through 
a territory occupied by Indians. The trip was a 
perilous one, and several times he nearly lost his 
life, but he returned in safety and furnished a full 
and useful report of his expedition. A regiment 
of three hundred men was raised in Virginia and 
put in command of Col. Jo.shua Frj-, and Maj. 
Washington was commissioned Lieutenant- Colo- 
nel. Active war was then begun against the 
French and Indians, in which Washington took 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



a most important part. In the memorable event 
of July 9, 1755, known as" Braddock's defeat," 
Washington was almost the only officer of dis- 
tinction who escaped from the calamities of the 
day with life and honor. 

Having been for five years in the military ser\-- 
ice, and having vainly sought promotion in the 
royal army, he took advantage of the fall of Ft. Du- 
quesne and the expulsion of the French from the 
valley of the Ohio to resign his commission. Soon 
after he entered the Legislature, where, although 
not a leader, he took an active and important 
part. January 17, 1759, he married Mrs. Martha 
(Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy widow of John 
Parke Custis. 

When the British Parliament had closed the 
port of Boston, the cry went up throughout the 
provinces, ' ' The cause ot Boston is the cause of 
us all! " It was then, at the suggestion of Vir- 
ginia, that a congress of all the colonies was 
called to meet at Philadelphia September 5, 
1774, to secure their common liberties, peaceably 
if possible. To this congress Col. Washington 
was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the 
congress re-assembled, when the hostile inten- 
tions of England were plainly apparent. The 
battles of Concord and Lexington had been fought, 
and among the finst acts of this congress was the 
election of a commander-in-chief of the Colonial 
forces. This high and responsible office was con- 
ferred upon Washington, who was still a member 
of the congress. He accepted it on June 19, but 
upon the express condition that he receive no sal- 
ary. He would keep an exact account of ex- 
penses, and expect congress to pay them and 
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch 
to trace the military acts of Washington, to whom 
the fortunes and liberties of the people of this 
country were so long confided. The war was 
conducted by him under every possible disadvan- 
tage; and while his forces often met with reverses, 
yet he overcame every obstacle, and after seven 
years of heroic devotion and matchless skill he 
gained liberty for the greatest nation of earth. 
On December 23, 1783, Washington, in a parting 
address of surpassing beauty, resigned his com- 
mission as Commander-in-Chief of the army to the 



Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He 
retired immediately to Mt. Vernon and resumed 
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning 
all connection with public life. 

In Februarj-, 1789, Washington was unani- 
mously elected President, and at the expiration 
of his first tenn he was unanimously re-elected. 
At the end of this term many were anxious that he 
be re-elected, but he absolutely refused a third 
nomination. On March 4, 1797, at the expiration 
of his second term as President, he returned to his 
home, hoping to pass there his few remaining 
years free from the annoyances of public life. 
Later in the year, however, his repose seemed 
likely to be interrupted by war with France. At 
the prospect of such a war he was again urged to 
take command of the army, but he chose his sub- 
ordinate officers and left them the charge of mat- 
ters in the field, which he superintended from his 
home. In accepting the command, he made the 
reservation that he was not to be in the field until 
it was necessary. In the midst of these prepara- 
tions his life was suddenly cut off. December 1 2 
he took a severe cold from a ride in the rain, 
which, settling in his throat, produced inflamma- 
tion, and terminated fatally on the night of the 
14th. On the 1 8th his body was borne with mili- 
tary honors to its final resting-place, and interred 
in the family vault at Mt. Vernon. 

Of the character of Washington it is impossible 
to speak but in terms of the highest respect and 
admiration. The more we see of the operations 
of our government, and the more deeplj- we feel 
the difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common 
Interest, the more highly we must estimate the 
force of his talent and character, which have been 
able to challenge the reverence of all parties, 
and principles, and nations, and to win a fame as 
extended as the 'imits of the globe, and which we 
cannot but believe vvill be as lasting as the exist- 
ence of man. 

In person, Washington wa,« unusually tall, erect 
and well i)roportioned, and lub vnuscular strength 
was great. His features were of a heausiful .sym- 
metry. He commanded respect without any ap- 
pearance of haughtiness, and was ever serious 
without being dull. 




JOHN ADAMS, 



JOHN ADAMS. 



HOHN ADAMS, the second President and the 
I first Vice-President of the United States, was 
v2/ born in Braintree (now Quinc}-) Mass., and 
about ten miles from Boston, October 19, 1735. 
His great-grandfather, Henr>' Adams, emigrated 
from England about 1640, with a famih^ of eight 
sons, and settled at Braintree. The parents of 
John were John and Susannah (Boylston) 
Adams. His father, w^ho was a farmer of limited 
means, also engaged in the business of .shoe- 
making. He gave his eldest son, John, a classical 
education at Harvard College. John graduated 
in 1755, and at once took charge of the school at 
Worcester, Ma.ss. This he found but a ' ' school 
of affliction," from which he endeavored to gain 
relief by devoting himself in addition, tc the 
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself 
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. 
He had thought seriou.sly of the clerical profes- 
-sion, but seems to have been turned from this by 
what he termed " the frightful engines of ecclesi- 
a.stical councils, of diabolical malice, and Calvin- 
istic good nature," of the operations of which he 
had been a witness in his native town. He was 
well fitted for the legal profession, po.s.sessing a 
clear, sonorous voice, being ready and fluent of 
speech, and having quick perceptive powers. He 
gradually gained a practice, and in 1764 married 
Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, and a 
lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his 
marriage, in 1765, the attempt at parliamentary- 
taxation turned him from law to politics. He 
took initial steps toward holding a town meeting, 
and the resolutions he offered on the subject be- 
came very popular throughout the province, and 
were adopted word for word by over forty differ- 
ent towns. He moved to Boston in 1768, and 
became one of tlie must courageous and promi- 
nent advocates of the popular cause, and was 
chcsen a member of the General Court (the I,eg- 
islaturei in 1770. 

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first dele- 



gates from Massachusetts to the first Continent- 
al Congress, which met ni 1774. Here he dis- 
tinguished himself by his capacity for business 
and for debate, and advocated the movement for 
independence against the majority of the mem- 
bers. In May, 1776, he moved and carried a res- 
olution in Congress that the Colonies should 
assume the duties of self-govermnent. He was a 
prominent member of the committee of five ap- 
pointed June 1 1 to prepare a declaration of inde- 
pendence. This article was drawn by Jeffer.son, 
but on Adams devolved the task of battling it 
through Congress in a three-daj's debate. 

On the day after the Declaration of Independ 
ence was passed, while his soul was yet warm 
with the glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter 
to his wife, which, as we read it now, seems to 
have been dictated by the spirit of prophecy. 
"Yesterday," he .says, "the greatest question 
was decided that ever was debated in America; 
and greater, perhaps, never was or will be de- 
cided among men. A resolution was passed 
without one di.ssenting colony, 'that these United 
States are, and of right ought to be, free and in- 
dependent .states.' The day is passed. The 
Fourth of July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch 
in the history of America. I am apt to believe it 
will be celebrated by succeeding generations as 
the great anniversary festival. It ought to be 
commemorated as the day of deliverance by 
solemn acts of devotion to Almighty God. It 
ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows, games, 
sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations 
from one end of the continent to the other, from 
this time forward forever. Von will think me 
transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I 
am well aware of the toil and blood and treas- 
ure that it will cost to maintain this declaration 
and support and defend the.se States; yet, through 
all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and 
glory. I can see that the end is worth more than 
all the means, and that posterity will triumph, 



24 



JOHN ADAMS. 



although you and I may rue, which I hope we 
shall not." 

In November, 1777, Mr. Adam.s was appointed 
a delegate to France, and to co-operate with Ben- 
jamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then 
in Paris, in the endeavor to obtain assistance in 
arms and money from the French government. 
This was a severe trial to his patriotism, as it 
separated him from his home, compelled him to 
cross the ocean in winter, and exposed him to 
great peril of capture by the British cruisers, who 
were seeking him. He left France June 17, 
1779. In September of the same year he was 
again chosen to go to Paris, and there hold him- 
self in readiness to negotiate a treaty of peace and 
of commerce with Great Britain, as soon as the 
British cabinet might be found willing to listen 
to such proposals. He sailed for France in No- 
vember, and from there he went to Holland, where 
he negotiated important loans and formed im- 
portant commercial treaties. 

Finally, a treaty of peace with England was 
signed, January 2 1 , 1783. The re-action from the 
excitement, toil and anxietj- through which Mr. 
Adams had passed threw him into a fever. After 
suffering from a continued fever and becoming 
feeble and emaciated, he was advi.sed to go to 
England to drink the waters of Bath. While in 
England, still drooping and desponding, he re- 
ceived dispatches from his own government urg- 
ing the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to 
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health 
was delicate, yet he inunediately set out, and 
through storm, on sea, on horseback and foot, he 
made the trip. 

February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. 
Adams envoy to the Court of St. James. Here 
he met face to face the King of England, who 
had so long regarded him as a traitor. As Eng- 
land did not condescend to appoint a minister to 
the United States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he 
was accomplishing but little, he sought permis- 
sion to return to his own country, where he ar- 
rived in June, 1788. 

When Washington was first chosen President, 
John Adams, rendered illustrious by his signal 
services at home and abroad, was chosen Vice- 



President. Again, at the second election of Wash- 
ington as President, Adams was chosen \'ice- 
Presidcnt. In 1796, Washington retired from 
public life, and Mr. Adams was elected President, 
though not without much opposition. Ser\-ing 
in this office four years, he was succeeded by Mr. 
Jefferson, his opponent in politics. 

While Mr. Adams was Vice-President the 
great French Revolution shook the continent of 
Europe, and it was upon this point that he was 
at issue with the majority of his countrymen, led 
by Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Adams felt no sympathy 
with the French people in their struggle, for he 
had no confidence in their power of self-govern- 
ment, and he utterly abhorred the class of atheist 
philosophers who, he claimed, caused it. On the 
other hand, Jefferson's sympathies were strongly 
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence 
originated the alienation between these distin- 
tingui.shed men, and the two powerful parties were 
thus soon organized, with Adams at the head of 
the one whose sympathies were with England, 
and Jefferson leading the other in sympathy with 
France. 

The Fourth of July, 1826, which completed the 
half-century since the signing of the Declaration 
of Independence, arrived, and there were but 
three of the signers of that immortal in.strument 
left upon the earth to hail its moniing light. 
And, as it is well known, on that day two of 
the.se finished their earthly pilgrimage, a coinci- 
dence so remarkable as to seem miraculous. For 
a few days before Mr. Adams had been rapidly 
failing, and on the morning of the Fourth he 
found himself too weak to rise from his bed. On 
being requested to name a toast for the cus- 
tomary celebration of the day, he exclaimed 
"Independence forever!" When the day was 
ushered in by the ringing of bells and the firing 
of cannons, he was a.sked by one of his attend- 
ants if he knew what day it was? He replied, 
"O yes, it is the glorious Fourth of July^God 
bless it — God bless you all!" In the course of 
the day he said, "It is a great and glorious 
day." The last words he uttered were, " Jeffe.' 
son survives." But lie had. at one o'clock, 
resigned his spirit into the h.Tudsof his God. 



;-k 







THOMAS JKI"l"KRSON. 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



^HOMAS JEFFERSON was born April 2, 
f C 1743, at Shadwell, Albemarle County, Va. 
v2/ His parents were Peter and Jane (Ran- 
dolph ) Jefferson, the former a native of Wales, 
and the latter born in London. To them were 
born six daughters and two sons, of whom Thomas 
was the elder. When fourteen years of age his 
father died. He received a most liberal educa- 
tion, having been kept diligently at school from 
the time he was five years of age. In 1760 he 
entered William and Mary College. Williams- 
burg was then the seat of the Colonial court, and 
it was the abode of fashion and splendor. Young 
Jefferson, who was then seventeen years old, lived 
somewhat expensive!}', keeping fine horses, and 
going nuich into gay society; yet he was ear- 
nestly devoted to his studies, and irreproachable in 
his morals. In the second year of his college 
course, moved by some unexplained impuLse, he 
discarded his old companions and pursuits, and 
often devoted fifteen hours a day to hard study. 
He thus attained very high intellectual culture, 
and a like excellence in philosophy and the lan- 
guages. 

Immediately upon leaving college he began the 
.study of law. For the short time he continued 
in the practice of his profession he rose rapidly, 
and distinguished himself by his energy and 
acuteness as a lawyer. But the times called for 
greater action. The policy of England had awak- 
ened the spirit of resistance in the American Col- 
onies, and the enlarged views which Jefferson had 
ever entertained soon led him into active politi- 
cal life. In 1 769 he was chosen a member of the 
Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1772 he mar- 



ried Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beautiful, 
wealthy, and highly accomplished young widow. 
In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress, 
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a 
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he 
was placed upon a number of important com- 
mittees, and was chairman of the one appointed 
for the drawing up of a declaration of independ- 
ence. This committee consisted of Thomas Jef- 
ferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger 
Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, 
as chairman, was appointed to draw up the paper. 
Franklin and Adams .suggested a few verbal 
changes before it was submitted to Congress. On 
June 28, a few slight changes were made in it by 
Congress, and it was passed and signed July 4, 
1776. 

In 1779 Mr. Jetferson was elected successor to 
Patrick Henrj- as Governor of Virginia. At one 
time the British officer Tarleton sent a secret 

; expedition to Monticello to capture the Governor. 

i Scarceh" five minutes elapsed after the hurried 
escape of Mr. Jeffenson and his family ere his 
mansion was in pos.session of the Briti.sh troops. 
His wife's health, never very good, was much 
injured by this excitement, and in the summer 
of 1782 she died. 

Mr. Jeffenson was elected to Congress in 1783. 
Two years later he was appointed Minister Pleni- 
potentiary to France. Returning to the United 
States in September, 1789, he became Secretar>' 
of State in Washington's cabinet. This position 
he resigned January i, 1794. In 1797, he was 
chosen Vice-President, and four years later was 
elected President over Mr. Adams, with Aaron 



28 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



Burr as Vice-President. In 1804 he was re- 
elected with wonderful unanimity, George Clin- 
ton being elected Vice-President. 

The early part of Mr. Jeiierson's second ad- 
ministration was disturbed by an event which 
threatened the tranquilhty and peace of the Union; 
this was the conspiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated 
in the late election to the Vice-Presidency, and 
led on by an unprincipled ambition, this extraor- 
dinary man formed the plan of a militarj' ex- 
pedition into the Spanish territories on our south- 
western frontier, for the purpose of forming there 
a new republic. This was generalh" supposed 
to have been a mere pretext; and although it has 
not been generally known what his real plans 
were, there is no doubt that they were of a far 
more dangerous character. 

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term 
for which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he de- 
termined to retire from political life. For a period 
of nearly forty years he had been continually be- 
fore the public, and all that time had been em- 
ploj-ed in offices of the greatest trust and respon- 
sibility. Having thus devoted the best part of 
his life to the service of his country-, he now felt 
desirous of that rest which his declining years re- 
quired, and upon the organization of the new ad- 
ministration, in March, 1809, he bade farewell for- 
ever to public life and retired to Monticello, his 
famous countrj^ home, which, next to Mt. Vernon, 
was the most distinguished residence in the land. 

The Fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth an- 
niversary of the Declaration of American Inde- 
pendence, great preparations were made in every 
part of the Union for its celebration as the nation's 
jubilee, and the citizens of Washington, to add to 
the solemnity of the occasion, invited Mr. Jeffer- 
son, as the framer and one of the few .sun'iving 
signers of the Declaration, to participate in their 
festivities. But an illness, which had been of 
several weeks' duration and had been continually 
increasing, compelled him to decline the invita- 
tion. 

On the 2d of July the disease under which he 
was laboring left him, but in such a reduced 
state that his medical attendants entertained no 
hope of his recovery. From this time he was 



perfecth- sensible that his last hour was at hand. 
On the next day, which was Monday, he asked 
of those around him the day of the month, and 
oil being told it was the 3d of July, he ex- 
pressed the earnest wi.sh that he might be per- 
mitted to breathe the air of the fifcicth auniver- 
sarj-. His prayer was heard — that day whcse 
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our 
land bur.st upon iiis eyes, and then thej- were 
closed forever. And what a noble con.summation 
of a noble life! To die on that day — the birth- 
day of a nation — the day which his own name 
and his own act had rendered glorious, to die 
amidst the rejoicings and festivities of a whole 
nation, who looked up to him as the author, un- 
der God, of their greatest blessings, was all that 
was wanting to fill up the record of his life. 

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- 
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear 
him compau}-, left the sceneof his earthly honors. 
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the cham- 
pions of freedom ; hand in hand, during the dark 
and desperate struggle of the Revolution, they 
had cheered and animated their desponding coun- 
trymen; for half a century thej' had labored to- 
gether for the good of the country, and now hand 
in hand they departed. In their lives they had 
been united in the same great cause of liberty, 
and in their deaths they were not di\ided. 

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather 
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes 
were light, his hair, originally red, in after life be- 
came white and silver}-, his complexion was fair, 
his forehead broad, and his whole countenance 
intelligent and thoughtful. He possessed great 
fortitude of mind as well as personal courage, and 
his command of temper was such that his oldest 
and most intimate friends never recollected to 
have seen him in a pa.ssion. His manners, though 
dignified, were .simple and unaffected, and his 
hospitality was so inibounded that all found at 
his house a ready welcome. In conversation he 
was fluent, eloquent atid enthusiastic, and his 
language was remarkably pure and correct. He 
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writ- 
ings is discernible the care with which iic formed 
his style upon the best models of antiquity. 




JAMKS MADISON. 



JAMES MADISON. 



(Tames MADISON, "Father of the Consti- 

I tution, ' ' and fourth President of the United 
G/ States, was born March i6, 1757, and died 
at his home in Virginia June 28, 1836. The 
name of James Madison is inseparably connected 
with most of the important events in that heroic 
period of our countr\' during which the founda- 
tions of this great repubUc were laid. He was 
the last of the founders of the Constitution of the 
United States to be called to his eternal reward. 

The Madison family were among the early emi- 
grants to the New World, landing upon the shores 
of the Chesapeake but fifteen years after the settle- 
ment of Jamestown. The father of James Madison 
was an opulent planter, residing upon a very fine 
estate called Montpelier, in Orange County, Va. 
It was but twenty-five miles from the home of Jef- 
ferson at Monticello, and the closest personal and 
political attachment existed between these illustri- 
ous men from their early youth until death. 

The early education of Mr. Madison was con- 
ducted mostly at home under a private tutor. At 
the age of eighteen he was sent to Princeton Col- 
lege, in New Jersey. Here he applied himself to 
study with the mo.st imprudent zeal, allowing him- 
self for months but three hours' sleep out of the 
twenty-four. His health thus became so seriously 
impaired that he never recovered any vigor of 
constitution. He graduated in 1 77 1 , with a feeble 
liody, but with a character of utmost purity, and 
a mind highly disciplined and richly stored with 
learning, which embellished and gave efficiency 
to his subsequent career. 

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study 
of law and a course of extensive and systematic 
reading. This educational course, the spirit of 
the times in which he lived, and the society with 
which he as.sociated, all combined to inspire him 
with a -Strong love of liberty, and to train him for 
his life-work as a statesman. 

In the spring of 1776, when twenty-six years of 



age, he was elected a member of the Virginia Con- 
vention to frame the constitution of the State. The 
next year (1777), he was a candidate for the Gen- 
eral Assembly. He refused to treat the whisky-lov- 
ing voters, and consequently lost his election; but 
those who had witnessed the talent, energy and 
pubhc spirit of the modest young man enlisted 
themselves in his behalf, and he was appointed to 
the Executive Council. 

Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were 
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison re- 
mained member of the Council, and their apprecia- 
tion of his intellectual, social and moral worth 
contributed not a little to his subsequent eminence. 
In the year 1780 he was elected a member of the 
Continental Congress. Here he met the most il- 
lustrious men in our land, and he was immediately 
assigned to one of the most conspicuous positions 
among them. For three years he continued in Con- 
gress, one of its most active and influential mem- 
bers. In 1784, his tenn having expired, he was 
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. 

No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the 
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no 
national government, and no power to form trea- 
ties which would be binding, or to enforce law. 
There was not any State more prominent than 
Virginia in the declaration that an efficient na- 
tional government must be formed. In January, 
1786, Mr. Madison carried a resolution through 
the General Assembly of Virginia, inviting the 
other States to appoint commissioners to meet in 
convention at Annapolis to discuss this subject. 
Five States only were represented. The conven- 
tion, however, issued another call, drawn up by 
Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their 
delegates to Philadelphia in May, 1787, to draft 
a Constitution for the United States, to take the 
place of the Confederate League. The delegates 
met at the time appointed. Every State but 
Rhode Island was represented. George Washing- 



32 



JAMES MADISON. 



ton was chosen president of the convention, and the 
present Constitution of the United States was then 
and there formed. There was, perhaps, no mind 
and no pen more active in framing this immortal 
document than the mind and the pen of James 
Madison. 

The Constitution, adopted by a vote of ciglity-one 
to seventy-nine, was to be presented to the several 
States for acceptance. But grave solicitude was 
felt. Should it be rejected, we should be left but a 
.'onglomeration of independent States, with but 
little power at home and little respect abroad. Mr. 
Madison was elected by the convention to draw up 
an address to the people of the United States, ex- 
pounding the principles of the Constitution, and 
urging its adoption. There was great opposition 
to it at first, but at length it triumphed over all, 
and went into effect in 17S9. 

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- 
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became 
the avowed leader of the Republican party. While 
in New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. 
Todd, a young widow of remarkable power of fas- 
cination, whom he married. She was in person 
and character queenly, and probaby no lady has 
thus far occupied so prominent a position in the 
very peculiar society- which has con.stituted our 
republican court as did Mrs. Madison. 

Mr. Madi.son sen-ed as Secretary of State under 
Jefferson, and at the clo.se of his administration 
was chosen President. Atthis time the encroach- 
ments of England had brought us to the verge of 
war. British orders in council destroyed our com- 
merce, and our flag was exposed tocon.stant insult. 
Mr. Madi.son was a man of peace. Scholarly in 
his taste, retiring in his disposition, war had no 
charms for him. But the meekest .spirit can be 
roused. It makes one's blood boil, even now, to 
think of an American ship brought to uiion the 
ocean by the guns of an English cruiser. A 
young lieutenant steps on board and orders the 
crew to be paraded before him. With great non- 
chalance he selects any number whom he may 
plea.se to designate as British sulijects, orders them 
down the ship's side into his boat, and places them 
an the gundeck of his man-of-war, to fight, by 
compulsion, the battles of England. This right 



of search and impressment no eftbrts of our Gov- 
ernment could induce the British cabinet to re- 
linquish. 

On the i8th of June, 1812, President Madison 
gave his approval to an act of Congress declaring 
war against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the 
bitter hostility of the Federal party to the war, the 
country in general approved; and Mr. Madison, 
on the 4th of March, 1813, was re-elected by a 
large majority, and entered upon his second tenn 
of office. This is not the place to describe the 
various adventures of this war on the land and on 
the water. Our infant navy then laid the found- 
ations of its renown in grappling with the most 
formidable power which ever swept the seas. The 
contest commenced in earnest b\' the appearance 
of a Briti.sh fleet, early in Februarj', 1813, in 
Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole coast 
of the United States under blockade. 

The Emperor of Russia offered his services as 
mediator. America accepted; England refused. 
A British force of five thousand men landed on the 
banks of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into 
Chesapeake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of 
Bladensburg, upon Washington. 

The .straggling little city of Wa.shington was 
thrown into consternation. The cannon of the 
brief conflict at Bladensburg echoed through the 
streets of the metropolis. The whole population 
fled from the city. The President, leaving Mrs. 
Madison in the White House, with her carriage 
drawn up at the door to await his speedy return, 
hurried to meet the officers in a council of war. 
He met our troops utterly routed, and he could not 
go back without danger of being captured. But 
few hours elapsed ere the Presidential Mansion, 
the Capitol, and all the public buildings in Wash- 
ington were in flames. 

The war closed after two j-ears of fighting, and 
on February 13, 18 15, the treaty of peace was 
signed at Ghent. On the 4th of March, 18 17, his 
.second term of office expired, and he resigned the 
Presidential chair to his friend, James Monroe. 
He retired to his beautiful home at Montpelier, and 
there passed the remainder of his days. On June 
28, 1836, at the age of eighty-five years, he fell 
asleep in death. Mrs Madison died July 12, 1849. 







^'0 ■ 



V*' 



AMliS MONKOi:. 



JAMES MONROE. 



(Tames MONROE, the fifth President of the 
I United States, was born in Westmoreland 
Q) County, Va., April 28, 1758. His early life 
Was passed at the place of his nativity. His an- 
cestors had for many years resided in the province 
in which he was born. When he was s-venteen 
years old, and in process of completing his educa- 
tion at William and Mary College, the Colonial 
Congress, assembled at Philadelphia to deliberate 
upon the unjust and manifold oppressions of Great 
Britain, declared the .separation of the Colonies, 
and promulgated the Declaration of Independence. 
Had he been born ten years before, it is highly 
probable that he would ha\'e been one of the 
signers of that celebrated instrument. At this 
time he left school and enlisted among the pa- 
triots. 

He joined the army when eveni'thing looked 
hopeless and gloomy. The number of deserters 
increased from day to day. The invading armies 
came pouring in, and the Tories not only favored 
the cause of the mother country, but disheartened 
the new recruits, who were sufficiently terrified 
at the prospect of contending with an enemj' 
whom they had been taught to deem invincible. 
To such brave spirits as James Monroe, who went 
right onward undismayed through difficulty and 
danger, the United States owe their political 
emancipation. The young cadet joined the ranks 
and espoused the cause of his injured country, 
with a firm determination to live or die in her 
strife for liberty. Firmly, yet sadly, he shared in 
the melaiichol)- retreat from Harlem Heights 
and White Plains, and accompanied the dispirited 
army as it fled before its foes through New Jersej-. 
In four months after the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, the patriots had been beaten in seven 
battles. At the battle of Trenton he led the van- 
guard, and in the act of charging upon the enemy 
he received a wound in the left shoulder. 



As a reward for his braver^', Mr. Monroe was 
promoted to be captain ofinfantrj-, and, having re- 
covered from his wounds, he rejoined the army. 
He, however, receded from the line of promotion 
by becoming an officer on the staff of L,ord Ster- 
ling. During the campaigns of 1777 and 1778, 
in the actions of Brandywine, Germantown and 
Monmouth, he continued aide-de-camp; but be- 
coming desirous to regain his position in the 
army, he exerted himself to collect a regiment for 
the Virginia line. This scheme failed, owing to 
the exhau.sted condition of the State. Upon this 
failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at 
that period Governor, and pur.sued with consid- 
erable ardor the study of common law. He did 
not, however, entirely lay a.side the knapsack for 
the green bag, but on the invasion of the enemy 
served as a volunteer during the two years of his 
legal pursuits. 

In 1782 he was elected from King George 
County a member of the Legislature of Virginia, 
and by that body he was elevated to a seat in the 
Executive Council. He was thus honored with 
the confidence of his fellov^'-citizens at twenty- 
three years of age, and having at this early period 
displayed some of that ability and aptitude foi 
legislation which were afterward employed with 
unremitting energy for the public good, he was 
in the succeeding year chosen a member of the 
Congress of the United States. 

Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of 
the old Confederacj", he was opposed to the new 
Constitution, thinking, with many others of the 
Republican party, that it gave too much power to 
the Central Government, and not enough to the 
individual States. Still he retained the esteem 
of his friends who were its warm supporters, and 
who, notwithstanding his opposition, secured its 
adoption. In 17S9 he became a member of the 
United States Senate, which office he held for 



JAMES MONROE. 



four years. Every month the line of distinction 
between the two great parties which divided the 
nation, the Federal and the Republican, was 
growing more distinct. The differences which 
new separated them lay in the fact that the Repub- 
lican party was in sympathy with France, and 
also in favor of .such a strict construction of the 
Constitution as to give the Central Government as 
liitle power, and the State Govemmtnts as much 
power, as the Constitution would warrant; while 
the Federalists sympathized with England, and 
were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- 
stitution, which would give as much power to the 
Central Government as that document could pos- 
sibly authorize. 

Washington was then President. England had 
espoused the cause of the Bourbons against the 
principles of the French Revolution. All Europe 
was drawn into the conflict. We were feeble and 
far away. Washington issued a proclamation of 
neutrality between these contending powers. 
France had helped us in the struggles for our 
liberties. All the despotisms of Europe were now 
combined to prevent the French from escaping 
from a tyranny a thousand-fold wor.se than that 
which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more mag- 
nanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at 
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in 
their extremity. It was the impulse of a gener- 
ous and noble nature, and Wa.shingtcm, who could 
appreciate such a character, showed his calm, .se- 
rene, almost divine, greatness, by appointing that 
very James Monroe who was denouncing the pol- 
icy of the Government, as the minister of that 
Government to the Republic of France. Mr. 
Monroe was welcomed by the National Conven- 
tion in France with the most enthusiastic dem- 
onstration. 

Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. 
Monroe was elected Governor of Virginia, and 
held the office for three years. He was again 
sent to P'rance to co-operate with Chancellor Liv- 
ing.ston in obtaining the vast territory then known 
as the province of Louisiana, which France had 
but shortly before obtained from Spain. Their 
united efforts were succe.ssful. For the compara- 
tively small sum of fifteen millions of dollars, the 



entire territory of Orleans and district of Loui- 
siana were added to the United States. This was 
probably the largest transfer of real estate which 
was ever made in all the history of the world. 

From France Mr. Monroe went to England to 
obtain from that country some recognition of our 
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against 
those odious imi)ressments of our seamen. But 
England was unrelenting. He again returned to 
England on the same mission, but could receive 
no redress. He returned to his home and was 
again chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon 
resigned to accept the position of Secretary of 
State under Madison. While in this office war 
with England was declared, the Secretarj- of War 
resigned, and during these trying times the 
duties of the War Department were also put upon 
him. He was truly the armor-bearer of President 
Madison, and the most efficient business man in 
his cabinet. Upon the return of peace he re- 
signed the Department of War, but continued in 
the office of Secretary of State until the expira- 
tion of Mr. Madison's administration. At the 
election held the previous autumn, Mr. Monroe 
himself had been chosen President with but little 
opposition, and upon March 4, 1817, he was in- 
augurated. Four years later he was elected for 
a second tenn. 

Among the important measures of his Presi- 
dency were the cession of Florida to the United 
States, the Mi.ssouri Compromise, and the famous 
" Monroe doctrine." This doctrine was enun- 
ciated by him in 1823, and was as follows: " That 
we should consider any attempt on the part of 
European powers to extend their system to any 
portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our 
peace and safety," and that " we could not view 
any interposition for the purpo.se of oppressing or 
controlling American goveriunents or provinces 
in any other light than as a manifestation by 
European powers of an unfriendly disposition 
toward the ITnited States." 

At the end of his second term, Mr. Monroe re- 
tired to his home in Virginia, where he lived un- 
til 1830, when he went to New York to live with 
his son-in-law. In that city he died, on the 4th 
of July, 1831. 




JOHN yriXCY ADAMS. 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 



QOHN QUINCY ADAMS, tlicsixtli President 

I of the United States, was 1)orn in the rural 
G/ home of his honored father, Jului Adams, in 
yuinc)-, Mass., on the nth of July, 1767. His 
mother, a woman of exalted worth, watched over 
his childhood during the almost constant ab- 
sence of his father. When but eiglit years of 
age, he stood with his mother on an eminence, 
listening to the booming of the great battle on 
Bunker's Hill, and gazing out upon the smoke 
and flames billowing up from the conflagration of 
Charlestown. 

When but eleven jears old he took a tearful 
adieu of his mother, to sail with his father for Eu- 
rope, through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. 
The bright, animated boy spent a year and a-half 
in Paris, where his father was associated with 
Franklin and lyee as Minister Plenipotentiarj'. 
His intelligence attracted the notice of these dis- 
tinguished men, and he received from them flat- 
tering marks of attention. 

John Adams had scarcelj- returned to this 
country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. 
Again John Quincy accompanied his father. At 
Paris he applied himself to study with great dil- 
igence for six months, and then accompanied his 
father to Holland, where he entered first a school 
in Amsterdam, then the University at Leyden. 
About a year from this time, in 1781, when the 
manly boy was but fourteen years of age, he was 
selected by Mr. Dana, our Minister to the Rus- 
sian court, as his private secretary. 

In this school of incessant labor and of ennobl- 
ing culture he spent fourteen months, and then 
returned to Holland, through Sweden, Denmark, 
Hamburg and Bremen. This long journey he 
took alone in the winter, when in his sixteenth 
year. Again he resumed his .studies, under a pri- 
vate tutor, at The Hague. Then, in the spring of 
1782, he accompanied his father to Paris, travel- 
ing leisurely, and forming acquaintances with the 
most distinguished men on the continent, examin- 



ing architectural remains, galleries of paintings, 
and all renowned works of art. At Paris ht 
again became associated with the most illustrious 
men of all lands in the contemplation of the 
loftiest temporal themes which can engross the 
human mind. After a .short visit to England he 
returned to Paris, and consecrated all his energies 
to study until May, 1785, when he returned to 
America to finish his education. 

Upon leaving Harvard College at the age ol 
twenty, he studied law for three years. In Jnne, 
1794, being then but twenty-seven years of age, 
he was appointed by Washington Resident Min- 
ister at the Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in 
July, he reached London in October, where he 
was immediately admitted to the deliberations ol 
Messrs. Jay & Pinckney, assisting them in n^'go- 
tiating a commercial treaty with Great Britain. 
After thus .spending a fortnight in London, he 
proceeded to The Hague. 

In July, 1797, he left The Hague to go to Por- 
tugal as Minister Plenipotentiary. On his way to 
Portugal, upon arriving in London, he met with 
despatches directing him to the court of Berlin, but 
requesting him to remain in London until he 
should receive his in.structions. While waiting 
he was married to an American lady, to whom he 
had been previously engaged — Mi,ss Louisa Cath- 
erine Johnson, a daughter of Joshua Johnson, 
American Consul in London, and a lady en- 
dowed with that beauty and those accomplish- 
ments which eminently fitted her to move in the 
elevated sphere for which she was destined. He 
reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797, 
where he remained until July, 1799, when, hav- 
ing fulfilled all the purposes of his mission, he so 
licited his recall. 

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen 
to the Senate of Massachu.setts from Boston, and 
then was elected Senator of the United States for 
six years, from the 4th of March, 1804. His rep- 
utation, his ability and his experience placed 



40 



JOHN QUIXCY ADAMS. 



him immediately among the most prominent and 
influential members of that body. 

In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the 
Presidential chair, and he immediately nominated 
John Quincy Adams Minister to St. Petersburgh. 
Resigning his professorship in Harvard Col- 
lege, he embarked at Boston in August, 1809. 

While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense 
student. He devoted his attention to the lan- 
guage and hi.storj' of Russia; to the Chinese trade; 
to the European system of weights, measures and 
coins; to the climate and astronomical observa- 
tions; while he kept up a familiar acquaintance 
with the Greek and Latin classics. In all the 
universities of Europe, a more accomplished 
scholar could .scarcely be found. All through 
life the Bible constituted an important part of his 
studies. It was his nile to read five chapters 
everj' day. 

On the 4tli of March, 18 17, Mr. Monroe took 
the Presidential chair, and immediately appointed 
Mr. Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of 
his numerous friends in public and private life in 
Europe, he sailed in June, 1819, for the United 
States. On the 18th of August, he again crossed 
the threshold of his home in Quincy. During the 
eight years of Mr. Monroe's admini-stration, Mr. 
Adams continued Secretary- of State. 

Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's 
second term of office, new candidates began to be 
presented for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. 
Adams brought forward his name. It was an 
exciting campaign, and party .spirit was never 
more bitter. Two hundred and sixty electoral 
votes were cast. Andrew Jackson received ninety- 
nine; John Quincy Adams eighty-four; William 
H. Crawford forty-one; and Henry Clay thirty - 
seven. As there was no choice by the people, 
the question went to the House of Representa- 
tives. Mr. Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to 
Mr. Adams, and he was elected. 

The friends of all the disappointed candidates 
now combined in a venomous and jiersistent as- 
sault upon Mr. Adams. There is nothing more 
disgraceful in the past history of our country than 
the abu.se which was poured in one uninterrupted 
stream upon this high-minded, upright and pa- 



triotic man. There never was an administration 
more pure 'in principles, more conscientiously de- 
voted to the be.st interests of the countn,-, than 
that of John Quincy Adams; and never, perhaps, 
was there an administration more unscrupulously 
and outrageously assailed. 

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired 
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by An- 
drew Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected 
Vice-President. The slavery question now be- 
gan to assume portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams 
returned to Quincy and to his studies, which he 
pursued with unabated zeal. But he was not 
long permitted to remain in retirement. In No- 
vember, 1830, he was elected Representative in 
Congress. For seventeen years, or until his death, 
he occupied the post as Representative, towering 
above all his peers, e\'er ready to do brave battle 
for freedom, and winning the title of "the Old 
Man Eloquent." Upon taking his seat in the 
House, he announced that he should hold him- 
self bound to no party. Probably there never 
was a member more devoted to his duties. He 
was usually the fir.st in his place in the morning, 
and the la.st to leave his seat in the evening. 
Not a measure could be brought forward and es- 
cape his scrutiny. The battle which Mr. Adams 
fought, almost singly, against the pro-slavery 
party in the Govermnent was sublime in its 
moral daring and heroism. For persisting in 
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery-, 
he was threatened with indictment by the grand 
jury, with expulsion from the House, with as.sas- 
sination; but no threats could intimidate him, and 
his final triumph was complete. 

On the 2ist of February, 1848, he rose on the 
floor of Congress with a paper in his hand, to 
address the speaker. Suddenly he fell, again 
stricken by paralysis, and was caught in the arms 
of those around him. For a time he was sense- 
less, as he was convejed to the sofa in the ro- 
tunda. With reviving consciousness, he opened 
his ej-es, looked calmly around and said "This 
is the end of earth;" then after a moment's pause 
he added, " I am content." These were the last 
words of the grand " Old Man I-^oqueut." 




ANIiRHW JACKSON. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 



GlNDREW JACKSON, the seventh President 
/l of the United States, was born in Waxhaw 
/ 1 settlement, N. C, March 15, 1767, a few 
days after his father's death. His parents were 
poor emigrants from Ireland, and took up their 
abode in Waxhaw settlement, where they lived 
in deepest poverty. 

Andrew, or Andy, as he was universally called, 
grew up a very rough, rude, turbulent boy. His 
features were coarse, his form ungainly, and there 
was but very little in his character made visible 
which was attractive. 

When only thirteen years old he joined the 
volunteers of Carolina against the British invasion. 
In 1 78 1, he and his brother Robert were captured 
and imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British 
officer ordered him to brush his mud-spattered 
boots. "lam a prisoner of war, not your serv- 
ant," was the reply of the dauntless boy. 

Andrew supported himselfin various ways, such 
as working at the saddler's trade, teaching school, 
and clerking in a general store, until 1784, when 
he entered a law office at Salisburs', N. C. He, 
however, gave more attention to the wild amuse- 
ments of the times than to his studies. In 1788, 
he was appointed solicitor for the Western District 
of North Carolina, of which Tennessee was then 
a part. This involved many long journeys amid 
dangers of every kind, but Andrew Jackson never 
knew fear, and the Indians had no desire to re- 
peat a skirmish with "Sharp Knife." 

In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman 
who supposed herself divorced from her former 
husband. Great was the surprise of both parties, 
two years later, to find that the conditions of the 
divorce had just been definitely settled by the 
first husband. The marriage ceremony was per- 
funned a second time, but the occurrence was 
often used by his enemies to bring Mr. Jackson 
into disfavor. 



In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee 
then containing nearly eighty thousand inhabi- 
tants, the people met in convention at Knoxville 
to frame a constitution. Five were sent from 
each of the eleven counties. Andrew Jackson 
was one of the delegates. The new State was 
entitled to but one member in the National House 
of Representatives. Andrew Jackson was chosen 
that member. Mounting his horse, he rode to 
Philadelphia, where Congress then held its ses- 
sions, a distance of about eight hundred miles. 

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- 
cratic party, and Jefferson was his idol. He ad- 
mired Bonaparte, loved France, and hated Eng- 
land. As Mr. Jackson took his seat, Gen. Wash- 
ington, whose second term of office was then 
expiring, delivered his last speech to Congress. 
A committee drew up a complimentary address in 
reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of the 
address, and was one of the twelve who voted 
against it. He was not willing to say that Gen. 
Washington's administration had been "wise, 
firm and patriotic." 

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States 
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned 
home. Soon after he was chosen Judge of the 
Supreme Court of his State, which position he 
held for six years. 

When the War of 1S12 with Great Britain com- 
menced, Madi-son occupied the Presidential chair. 
Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there 
was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jack- 
son, who would do credit to a commission if one 
were conferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. 
Jackson offered his services and those of twenty- 
five hundred volunteers. His offer was accepted, 
and the troops were assembled at Nashville. 

As the British were hourly expected to make 
an attack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wil- 
kinson was in command, he was ordered to de- 



44 



ANDREW JACKSON. 



scend the river with fiiteen hundred troops to aid 
Wilkinson. The expedition reached Natchez, 
and after a delay of .several weeks there without 
accomplishintr anything, the men were ordered 
back to their homes. But the energy Gen. Jack- 
son had displayed, and his entire devotion to the 
comfort of his soldiers, won for him golden opin- 
ions, and he became the most popular man in the 
State. It was in this expedition that his tough- 
ness gave him the nickname of "Old Hickory." 

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip 
Col. Thomas Benton for a remark that gentleman 
made about his taking part as second in a duel 
in which a younger brother of Benton's was en- 
gaged, he received two severe pistol wounds. 
While he was lingering upon a bed of suffering, 
news came that the Indians, who had combined 
under Tecumseh from Florida to the Lakes to ex- 
terminate the white settlers, were committing the 
most awful ravages. Decisi\e action became nec- 
essary. Gen. Jackson, with his fractured bone 
just beginning to heal, his arm in a .sling, and 
unable to mount his hor.se without assistance, 
gave his amazing energies to the rai.sing of an 
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Ala. 

The Creek Indians had established a strong 
fort on one of the bends of the Tallapoo.sa River, 
near the center of Alabama, about fifty miles be- 
low Ft. Strother. With an army of two thousand 
men, Gen. Jackson traver.sed the pathless wilder- 
ness in a march of eleven days. He reached their 
fort, called Tohopeka or Horse-.shoe, on the 27th 
of March, 1814. The bend of the river enclosed 
nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and 
wild ravine. Across the narrow neck the Indians 
had constructed a formidable breastwork of logs 
and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with 
an ample supply of anns, were as.sembled. 

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly 
desperate. Not an Indian would accept quarter. 
When bleeding and dying, they would fight those 
who endeavored to spare their lives. From ten 
in the morning until dark the battle raged. The 
carnage was awful and revolting. Some threw 
themselves into the river; but the unerring bul- 
lets struck their heads as tlicv swam. Nearly 
every one of the nine hundred warriors was I 



killed. A few, probably, in the night swam 
the river and escaped. This ended the war 

This closing of the Creek War enabled us to 
concentrate all our militia upon the British, who 
were the allies of the Indians. No man of le.ss 
resolute will than Gen. Jack.son could have con- 
ducted this Indian campaign to so successful an 
issue. Immediately he was appointed Major- 
General. 

Late in August, with an army of two thousand 
men on a rushing march. Gen. Jackson went to 
Mobile. A British fleet went from Pensacola, 
landed a force upon the beach, anchored near the 
little fort, and from both ship and shore com- 
menced a furious assault. The battle was long 
and doubtful. At length one of the .ships was 
blown up and the re.st retired. 

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his 
little army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, 
and the battle of New Orleans, which soon ensued, 
was in reality a verj^ arduous campaign. This 
won for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. 
Here his troops, wdiich numbered about four 
thousand men, won a signal victory over the 
British army of about nine thousand. His lo.ss 
was but thirteen, while the lo.ss of the British was 
twenty-six hundred. 

The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be 
mentioned in connection with the Presidency, 
but in 1824 he was defeated by Mr. Adams. 
He was, however, successful in the election of 
1828, and was re-elected for a second term in 
1832. In 1829, just before he assumed the reins 
of government, he met with the most terrible 
affliction of his life in the death of his wife, whom 
he had lo\-ed with a devotion which has perhaps 
never been surpa.ssed. From the shock of her 
death he never recovered. 

His administration was one of the most mem- 
orable in the annals of our country — applauded 
by one party, condemned by the other. No man 
had more bitter enemies or warmer friends. At 
the expiration of his two terms of office he retired 
to the Hermitage, where he died June S, 1845. The 
last years of Mr. Jackson's life were those of a de- 
voted Christian man. 




MARTIN VAN UVRKN. 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 



jV^ARTTN VAN BUREN, the eighth rresi- 
ly dent of the United States, was born at Kin- 
IvS derhook, N. Y., December 5, 1782. He 
died at the same place, July 24, 1862. His body 
rests in the cemetery at Kinderhook. Above it is 
a plain granite shaft, fifteen feet high, bearing a 
simple inscription about half-way up on one face. 
The lot is unfenced, unbordered or unbounded 
by shrub or flower. 

There is but little in the life of Martin Van 
Buren of romantic interest. He fought no battles, 
engaged in no wild adventures. Though his life 
was stormy in political and intellectual conflicts, 
and he gained many signal victories, his days 
passed uneventful in those incidents which give 
zest to biography. His ancestors, as his name indi- 
cates, were of Dutch origin, and were among the 
earliest emigrants from Holland to the banks of 
the Hudson. His father was a farmer, residing 
in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, also 
of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- 
ligence and exemplary piety. 

He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing 
unusual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At 
the age of fourteen, he had finished his academic 
studies in his native village, and commenced the 
study of law. As he had not a collegiate educa- 
tion, seven years of study in a law-office were re- 
quired of him before he could be admitted to the 
Bar. Inspired with a lofty ambition, and con- 
scious of his powers, he pursued his studies with 
indefatigable industrs-. After spending six years 
in an office in his native village, he went to the city 
of New York, and pro.secuted his studies for the 
seventh year. 

In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years 



of age, commenced the practice of law in his na 
tive village. The great conflict between the Federal 
and Republican parties was then at its height. 
Mr. Van Buren was from the beginning a politi- 
cian. He had, perhaps, imbibed that spirit while 
listening to the many discussions which had been 
carried on in his father's hotel. He was in cordial 
sympathy with Jefferson, and earnestly and elo- 
quently espoused the cause of State Rights, though 
at that time the Federal party held the supremacy 
both in his town and State. 

His success and increasing reputation led him 
after six years of practice to remove to Hudson, 
the county seat of his county. Here he spent 
seven years, constantly gaining .strength by con- 
tending in the courts with some of the ablest men 
who have adorned the Bar of his State. 

Ju.st before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr. 
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for 
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short 
years she sank into the grave, a victim of con- 
sumption, leaving her husband and four sons to 
weep over her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. 
Van Buren was an earnest, successful, assiduous 
lawyer. The record of tho.se years is barren in 
items of public interest. In 1812, when thirty 
years of age, he was cho.sen to the State Senate, 
and gave his strenuous support to Mr. Madison's 
administration. In 18 15, he was appointed At- 
torney-General, and the next year moved to Al- 
bany, the capital of the State. 

While he was acknowledged as one of the most 
prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had 
the moral cf)urage to avow that true democracy did 
not require that "universal suffrage" which admit.^' 
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right 



48 



MARTIN VAN HUREN. 



of governing the State. In true consistency with 
his democratic principles, he contended that, while 
the path leading to the privilege of voting should 
be open to every man w'ithout distinction, no one 
should be invested with that sacred prerogative 
unless he were in some degree qualified for it by 
intelligence, virtue, and some property interests in 
the welfare of the State. 

In 1821 he was elected a member of the United 
States Senate, and in the same year he took a 
seat in the convention to revise the Constitution of 
his native State. His course in this convention 
secured the approval of men of all parties. No 
one could doubt the singleness of his endeavors to 
promote the interests of all cla.sses in the com- 
munity. In the Senate of the United States, he 
rose at once to a conspicuous position as an active 
and u.seful legislator. 

In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the 
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected 
to the Senate. He had been from the beginning 
a determined opposer of the administration, adopt- 
ing the "State Rights" view in opposition to what 
was deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. 

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governor 
of the State of New York, and accordingly resigned 
his seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the 
United vSlates contributed .so much towards eject- 
ing John Q. Adams from the Presidential chair, 
and placing in it Andrew Jack.son, as did Martin 
Van Buren. Whether entitled to the reputation 
or not, he certainly was regarded tliroughout the 
United States as one of the most skillful, sagacious 
and cunning of politicians. It was .suppo.sed that 
no one knew .so well as he how to touch the .secret 
springs of action, how to pull all the wires to 
put his machinery in motion, and how to organize 
a pf)litical army which would secretly and stealth- 
ily accompli.sh the most gigantic results. By these 
powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams, Mr. 
Clay, and Mr. Webster, and secured results which 
ew then thought could be accomplished. 

When Andrew Jackson was elected President 
lie appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of vState. 
This position he resigned in iS,-^i, and was im- 
mediately appointed Mini.ster to England, where 
he went the same autumn. The .Senate, however, 



when it met, refused to ratify the nomination, and 
he returned home, apparently untroubled. Later 
he was nominated Vice-President in the place of 
Calhoun, at the re-election of President Jackson, 
and with .smiles for all and frowns for none, he 
took his place at the head of that Senate which had 
refused to confirm his nomination as ambassador. 

His rejection by the Senate rou.sed all the zeal 
of President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated 
favorite; and this, probably, more than any other 
cause secured his elevation to the chair of the 
Chief Execnti\e. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. 
Van Buren received the Democratic nomination 
to succeed Gen. Jackson as Pre.sident of the United 
States. He was elected by a handsome majority, 
to the delight of the retiring President. ' 'Leaving 
New York out of the canvass," says Mr. Parton, 
"the election of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency 
was as much the act of Gen. Jackson as though 
the Constitution had conferred upon him the power 
to appoint a .successor." 

His administration was filled with exciting 
events. The in-surrection in Canada, which 
threatened to involve this country in war with 
England, the agitation of the slavery question, 
and finally the great commercial panic which 
spread over the country, all were trials of his wis- 
dom. The financial distress was attributed to 
the management of the Democratic party, and 
brought the President into such disfavor that he 
failed of re-election, and on the 4th of March, 
1 84 1, he retired from the presidency. 

With the exception of being nominated for the 
Presidency by the ' 'Free Soil' ' Democrats in 1 848, 
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until 
his death. He had ever been a prudent man, of 
frugal habits, and, living within his income, had 
now fortunately a competence for his declining 
years. From his fine estate at Lindcnwald, he 
.still exerted a powerfiil influence upon the politics 
of the country. From this time until his deatii, 
on the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty 
years, he resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of 
leisure, of culture and wealth, enjoying in a 
heallhj- old age probably far more happiness than 
he had before experienced amid the stormy scenes 
of his active life. 




WII, 1,1AM II. HARRISON. 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 



I ILL! AM HENRY HARRISON, the ninth 
Piesideiit of the United States, was born 
at Berkeley, Va. , February 9, 1773. His 
father, Benjamin Harrison, was in comparatively 
opulent circumstances, and was one of the most 
distinguished men of his day. He was an inti- 
mate friend of George Washington, was early 
elected a member of the Continental Congress, 
and was conspicuous among the patriots of Vir- 
ginia in resisting the encroachments of the British 
crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Ben- 
jamin Harrison and John Hancock were both 
candidates for the office of Speaker. 

Mr. Harrison was subsequently chosen Gov- 
ernor of Virginia, and was twice re-elected. His 
son William Henry, of course, enjoyed in child- 
hood all the advantages which wealth and intel- 
lectual and cultivated .society could give. Hav- 
ing received a thorough common-.school educa- 
tion, he entered Hampden Sidney College, where 
he graduated with honor soon after the death of 
his father. He then repaired to Philadelphia to 
-Study medicine under the instructions of Dr. Rush 
and the guardianship of Robert Morris, both of 
whom were, with his father, signers of the Dec- 
laration of Independence. 

ITpon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and 
notwithstanding the remonstrances of his friends, 
he abandoned his medical studies and entered the 
army, having obtained a commission as Ensign 
from President Washington. He was then but 
nineteen years old. From that time he passed 
gradually upward in rank until he became aide 
to Gen. Wayne, after whose death he resigned 
his commission. He was then appointed Secre- 
tary of the Northwe.stern Territory. This Terri- 
torj- was then entitled to but one member in Con- 



gress, and Harrison was chosen to fill that position. 
In the spring of iSoo the Northwestern Terri- 
tory was divided by Congress into two portions. 
The eastern portion, comprising the region now 
embraced in the State of Ohio, was called "The 
Territory northwest of the Ohio." The western 
portion, which included what is now called Indi- 
ana, Illinois and Wisconsin, was called "the Indi- 
ana Territory." William Henr>' Harrison, then 
twenty-seven years of age, was appointed by John 
Adams Governor of the Indiana Territory, and 
immediately after also Governor of Upper Loui- 
siana. He was thus ruler over almost as exten- 
sive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. 
He was vSuperintendent of Indian Affairs, and 
was invested with powers nearly dictatorial over 
the then rapidly increasing white population. The 
ability and fidelity with which he discharged 
these responsible duties may be inferred from the 
fact that he was four times appointed to this 
ofiBce — -first by John Adams, twice by Thomas 
Jefferson, and afterwards by President Madison. 

When he began his administration there were 
but three white settlements in that almost bound- 
less region, now crowded with cities and resound- 
ing with all the tumult of wealth and traffic. 
One of these settlements was on the Ohio, nearly 
opposite Louisville; one at Vincennes, on the 
Wabash; and the third was a French settlement. 

The va.st wilderness over which Gov. Harrison 
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. 
About the year 1806, two extraordinary men, 
twin brothers of the Shawnee tribe, rose among 
them. One of these was called Tecumseh, or 
"the Crouching Panther;" the other Olliwa- 
checa, or "the Prophet." Tecumseh was nor 
only an Indian warrior, but a man of great sagac- 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 



ity, far-reaching foresight and indomitable perse- 
verance in any enterprise in which he might en- 
gage. His brother, the Prophet, was an orator, 
who could sway the feelings of the initutored In- 
dians as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath 
which the}- dwelt. With an enthusiasm un.sur- 
passed by Peter the Hermit rou.sing Euroi)e to the 
crusades, he went from tribe to tribe, assuming 
that he was specially sent by the Great Spirit. 

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to con- 
ciliate the Indians, but at last war came, and at 
Tippecanoe the Indians were routed with great 
slaughter. October 28, 1812, his army began its 
march. When near the Prophet's town, three 
Indians of rank made their appearance and in- 
quired why Gov. Harrison was approaching them 
in so hostile an attitude. After a short confer- 
ence, arrangements were made for a meeting the 
next day to agree upon terms of peace. 

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted 
with the Indian character to be deceived by such 
protestations. Selecting a favorable spot for his 
night's encampment, he took ever>- precaution 
against surprise. His troops were po.sted in a 
hollow .square and slept upon their arms. The 
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock 
in the morning, had risen, and was sitting 
in conversation with his aides by the embers 
of a waning fire. It was a chill, cloudy morning, 
with a drizzling rain. In the darkness, the In- 
dians had crept as near as possible, and just then, 
with a savage yell, rushed, with all the despera- 
tion which superstition and passion most highly 
inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the 
little army. The savages had been amply pro- 
vided with guns and ammunition by the English, 
and their war-whoop was accompanied by a 
shower of bullets. 

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as 
the light aided the Indians in their aim, and 
Gen. Harrison's troops stood as immovable as 
the rocks around them until day dawned, when 
they made a .simultaneous charge with the bayo- 
net and swept everjthing before them, completely 
routing the foe. 

Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked 
to the utmost. The Briti.sh, descending from the 



Canadas, were of themselves a very fonnidable 
force, but with their savage allies nishing like 
wolves from the forest, burning, plundering, scalp- 
ing, torturing, the wide frontier was plunged into 
a state of consternation which even the most vivid 
imagination can but faintly conceive. Gen. Hull 
had made an ignominioussurrender of his forces at 
Detroit. Under these despairing circum.stances. 
Gov. Harri-son was appointed by President Madi- 
son Commander-in-Chief of the Northwestern 
Army, with orders to retake Detroit and to protect 
the frontiers. It would be difficult to place a man 
in a situation demanding more energy, sagacity 
and courage, but he was found equal to the 
po.sition, and nobly and triumphantly did he meet 
all the responsibilities. 

In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member 
of the National House of Representatives, to rep- 
resent the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved 
an active member, and whenever he spoke it was 
with a force of reason and power of eloquence 
which arrested the attention of all the members. 

In 18 19, Harri.son was elected to the Senate of 
Ohio, and in 1824, asoneof the Presidential Elec- 
tors of that State, he gave his vote for Henry 
Claj-. The same year he was chosen to the Uni- 
ted States Senate. In 1836 his friends brought 
him forward as a candidate for the Presidency 
against Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the 
close of Mr. Van Buren 's term, he was re-nom- 
inated by his party, and Mr. Harrison was unani- 
mously nominated by the Whigs, with John Tyler 
for the Vice-Presidency. The contest was very 
animated. Gen. Jack.son gave all his influence to 
prevent Harrison's election, but his triumph was 
signal. 

The cabinet which ho fonned, with Daniel Web- 
ster at its head as Secretary of State, was one of 
the most brilliant with which any President had 
ever been surrounded. Never were the prospects 
of an administration more flattering, or the hopes 
of the country more sanguine. In the midst of 
these bright and joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison 
was .seized by a pleurisy-fever, and after a few 
days of violent sickness died, on the 4th of April, 
just one month after his inauguration as President 
of the United States. 




ilIN I'Vl.lvK 



JOHN TYLER. 



(TOHN TYLER, the tenth President of the 
I United States, and was born in Charles 
(2/ City Count}-, Va., March 29 1790. He was 
tlie favored child of affluence and high social po- 
sition. At the early age of twelve, John entered 
William and Mary College, and graduated with 
much honor when but seventeen years old. After 
graduating, he devoted himself with great assi- 
duity to the study of law, partly with his father 
and partly with Edmund Randolph, one of the 
most distinguished lawyers of Virginia. 

At nineteen years of age, he commenced the 
practice of law. His success was rapid and as- 
tonishing. It is said that three months had not 
elapsed ere there was scarcely a case on the 
docket of the court in which he was not retained. 
When but twenty -one years of age, he was almost 
unanimously elected to a seat in the State Legis- 
lature. He connected himself with the Demo- 
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures 
of Jefferson and Madison. For five successive 
3'ears he was elected to the Legislature, receiving 
nearly the unanimous vote of his county. 

When but twenty-six years of age, he was 
elected a Member of Congress. Here he acted ear- 
nestly and ably with the Democratic party, oppos- 
ing a national bank, internal improvements by 
the General Government, and a protective tariff; 
advocating a strict construction of the Constitu- 
tion and the mo.st careful vigilance over State 
rights. His labors in Congress were so arduous 
that before the close of his second term he found 
it necessary to resign and retire to his estate in 
Charles City County to recruit his health. He, 
however, soon after consented to take his seat in 
the State Legislature, where his influence wa,s 
powerful in promoting public works of great 
utility. With a reputation thus con.stantly in- 
crea.sing, he was chosen by a very large majority 
of votes Governor of his native State. His ad- 
miiii.stration was a signally successful one, and his 
popularity secured his re-election. 



John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed 
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of 
the United States. A portion of the Democratic 
party was di.spleased with Mr. Randolph's way- 
ward course, and brought forward John Tyler as 
his opponent, considering him the only man in 
Virginia of .suflScient popularity to succeed 
against the renowned orator of Roanoke. Mr. 
Tyler was the victor. 

In accordance with his professions, upon tak- 
ing his seat in the Senate he joined the ranks of 
the opposition. He opposed the tariff, and spoke 
against and voted against the bank as uncon.sti- 
tutional; he strenuously opposed all restrictions 
upon slavery, resisting all projects of internal im- 
provements by the General Government, and 
avowed his sympathy with Mr. Calhoun's view 
of nullification; he declared that Gen. Jack.son, 
by his opposition to the nullifiers, had abandoned 
the principles of the Democratic party. Such 
was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress — a record in 
perfect accordance with the principles which he 
had always avowed. 

Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice 
of his profession. There was a split in the Demo- 
cratic party. His friends still regarded him as a 
true Jeffersonian, gave him a dinner, and show- 
ered compliments upon him. He had now at- 
tained the age of forty-six, and his career had been 
very brilliant. In consequence of his devotion to 
public business, his private affairs had fallen into 
some disorder, and it was not without satisfac- 
tion that he resumed the practice of law, and de- 
voted himself to the cultivation of his plantation. 
Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, for 
the better education of his children, and he again 
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia. 

By the southern Whigs he was sent to the 
national convention at Harrisburg in 1839 to nom- 
inate a President. The majority of votes were 
given to Gen Harrison, a genuine \\'hig. much 
to the di.sappointment of the South, which wished 



56 



JOHN TVLKR. 



for Henry Clay. To conciliate the southern 
Whigs and to secure their vote, the convention 
then nominated John Tyler for Vice-President. 
It was well known that he was not in sjmpathy 
with the Whig party in the North; but the Vice- 
President has very little power in the Govern- 
ment, his main and almost only duty being to 
preside over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it 
happened that a Whig President and, in reality, 
a Democratic Vice-President were chosen. 

In 1841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice- 
President of the United States. In one short 
month from that time. President Harrison died, 
and Mr. Tyler thus found himself, to his own 
surprise and that of the whole nation, an occu- 
pant of the Presidential chair. Hastening from 
Williamsburg to Washington, on the 6th of 
April he was inaugurated to the high and re- 
sponsible office. He was placed in a position of 
exceeding delicacy and difficulty. AH his long 
life he had been opposed to the main principles of 
the party which had brought him into power. 
He had ever been a consistent, honest man, with 
an unblemished record. Gen. Harrison had se- 
lected a Whig cabinet. Should he retain them, 
and thus surround himself with counselors who.se 
views were antagonistic to his own ? or, on the 
other hand, should he turn against the party 
which had elected him, and select a cabinet in 
harmony with himself, and which would oppose 
all those views which the Whigs deemed essen- 
tial to the public welfare ? This was his fearful 
dilemma. He invited the cabinet which Presi- 
dent Harrison had .selected to retain their .seats, 
and recommended a day of fasting and prayer, 
that God would guide and bless us. 

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for 
the incorporation of a fiscal bank of ;he United 
States. The President, after ten days' delay, re- 
turned it with his veto. He suggested, however, 
that he would approve of a bill drawn up upon 
such a plan as he proposed. Such a bill was ac- 
cordingly prei)ared, and privately submitted to 
him. He gave it his approval. It was passed 
without alteration, and he sent it back with his 
veto. Here commenced the open rupture. It is 
said that Mr, Tyler was provokel to this meas- 



ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M. 
Botts, a distinguished \'irginia Whig, who se- 
verely touched the pride of the President. 

The opposition now exultingly received the 
President into their arms. The partj' which 
elected him denounced him bitterly. All the 
members of his cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, 
resigned. The Whigs of Congress, both the 
Senate and the House, held a meeting and issued 
an address to the people of the United States, 
proclaiming that all political alliance between the 
Whigs and President Tyler was at an end. 

Still the President attemi)ted to conciliate. He 
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs 
and Con.servatives, carefully leaving out all strong 
party men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary 
to resign, forced out by the pressure of his Whig 
friends. Thus the four years of Mr. Tyler's un- 
fortunate administration passed sadly away. No 
one was satisfied. The land was filled with mur- 
murs and vituperation. Whigs and Democrats 
alike assailed him. More and more, however, he 
brought himself into sympathy with his old 
friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his 
term he gave his whole influence to the support 
of Mr. Polk, the Democratic candidate for his 
successor. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, President Tyler re- 
tired from the hara.ssments of office, to the regret 
of neither party, and probably to his own unspeak- 
able relief The remainder of his days were 
pa.ssed mainly in the retirement of his beautiful 
home— Sherwood Forest, Charles City County, 
Va. His first wife. Miss Letitia Christian, died 
in Wa.shington in 1842; and in June, 1844, 
he was again married, at New York, to Mi.ss Julia 
Gardiner, a young lady of many personal and 
intellectual accompli.shments. 

When the great Rebellion rose, which the 
State Rights and nullifying doctrines of John C. 
Calhoun had inaugurated. President Tyler re- 
nounced liis allegiance to the United States, and 
joine<l the Confederates. He was clio.sen a mem- 
ber of their Congress, and while engaged in 
active niea.sures to destroy, by force of arms, the 
Government over which he had once presided, he 
was taken sick and soon died. 




JAMES K. POLK. 



JAMES K. POLK. 



(Tames K. polk, the eleventh President of 
I the United States, was born in Mecklenburgh 
Q) County, N. C, November 2, 1795. His 
parents were Samuel and Jane (Knoxj Polk, the 
former a son of Col. Thomas Polk, who located 
at the above place, as one of the first pioneers, in 
1735. In 1806, with his wife and children, and 
soon after followed by most of the members of the 
Polk family, Samuel Polk emigrated some two or 
three hundred miles farther west, to the rich val- 
ley of the Duck Riv^er. Here, in the midst of the 
wilderness, in a region which was subsequently 
called Maun- County, they erected their log huts 
and established their homes. In the hard toil of 
a new fann in the wilderness, James K. Polk 
spent the early years of his childhood and youth. 
His father, adding the pursuit of a surveyor to 
that of a farmer, gradually increased in wealth, 
until he became one of the leading men of the 
region. His mother was a superior woman, of 
strong common sense and earnest piety. 

Very early in life James developed a taste for 
reading, and expressed the strongest desire to ob- 
tain a liberal education. His mother's training 
had made him methodical in his habits, had taught 
him punctuality- and industry, and had inspired 
him with lofty principles of morality. His health 
was frail, and his father, fearing that he might not 
be able to endure a sedentary life, got a situation 
for him behind the counter, hoping to fit him for 
commercial pursuits. 

This was to James a bitter disappointment. He 
had no taste for these duties, and his aaiiy tasks 
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this 
uncongenial occupation but a few v-^eks, when, 
at his earnest solicitation, his fanner removed 
him and made arrangements for him to pros- 
ecute his studies. Soon after he sent him to Mur- 
freesboro Academy. With ardor which could 
scarcely be surpassed, he pressed forward in his 



studies, and in less than two and a-half yenrs, in 
the autumn of 181 5, entered the sophomore class 
in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel 
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of 
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allow- 
ing him.self to be absent from a recitation or a 
religious sen-ice. 

Mr. Polk graduated in 1818, with the highest 
honors, being deemed the best scholar of his class, 
both in mathematics and the classics. He was 
then twenty-three 3-earsofage. His health was 
at this time much impaired by the assiduity with 
which he had prcsecuted his studies. After a 
short .season of relaxation, he went to Nashville, 
and entered the office of Felix Grundy, to study 
law. Here Mr. Polk renewed his acquaintance 
with Andrew Jackson, who resided on his planta- 
tion, the " Hermitage," but a few miles from 
Nashville. They had probably been slightly ac- 
quainted before. 

Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican 
and James K. adhered to the same political faith. 
He was a popular public speaker, and was con- 
stantly called upon to address the meetings of his 
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such 
that he was popularly called the Napoleon of the 
.stump. He was a man of unblemished morals, 
genial and courteous in his bearing, and with that 
sympathetic nature in the joys and griefs of oth- 
ers which gave him hosts of friends. In 1823, 
he was elected to the Legislature of Tennessee, 
and gave his strong influence toward the election 
of his friend, Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of 
the United States. 

In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah 
Childress, of Rutherford County, Tenn. His 
bride was altogether worthy of him — a lady of 
beauty and culture. In the fall of 1.S25 Mr. Polk 
was chosen a member of Congress, and the satis- 
faction he gave his constituents may be iiiferre 1 



6o 



JAMES K. POLK. 



from ihe fact, that for fourteen successive j'ears, 
or until 1839, he was continued in that ofi&ce. He 
then \-oUuitarily withdrew, only that he might 
accept the Gubernatorial chair of Tennessee. In 
Congress he was a laborious member, a frequent 
and a popular speaker. He was always in his 
SL-at, always courteous, and whene\'er he spoke 
it was always to the point, without any ambitious 
rhetorical display. 

During five sessions of Congress Mr. Polk was 
Speaker of the House. Strong passions were 
roused and stormy scenes were witnessed, but he 
performed his arduous duties to a verj- general 
satisfaction, and a unanimous vote of thanks to 
him was passed b\- the House as he withdrew on 
the 4th of March, 1839. 

In accordance with vSouthern usage, Mr. Polk, 
as a candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. 
He was elected by a large majority, and on Octo- 
ber 14, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. 
In 1 841 his term of office expired, and he was 
again the candidate of the Democratic party, but 
was defeated. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was in- 
augurated President of the United States. The 
verdict of the country in favor of the annexation 
of Texas exerted its influence upon Congress, 
and the last act of the administration of President 
Tyler was to affix his signature to a joint resolu- 
tion of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, ap- 
proving of the annexation of Texas to the Union. 
As Mexico .still claimed Texas as one of her 
provinces, the Mexican Minister, Almonte, im- 
mediately demanded his pa.ssports and left the 
country', declaring the act of the annexation to be 
an act hostile to Mexico. 

In his first message, President Polk urged that 
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be 
received into the Union on the same footing with 
the other States. In the mean time, Gen. Taylor 
was sent with an army into Texas to hold the 
country. He was fir.st sent to Nueces, which the 
Mexicans said was the western boundary of Tex- 
as. Then he was .sent nearly two hundred miles 
further west, to the Rio Grande, where he erected 
batteries which commanded the Mexican city of 
Matamoras, which was situated on the western 



banks. The anticipated collision soon took place, 
and war was declared against Mexico b}' President 
Polk. The war was pushed forward bj- his ad- 
ministration with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, 
whose armj- was first called one of ' ' obser\-ation, ' ' 
then of "occupation," then of "invasion," was 
sent forward to Monterey. The feeble Mexicans 
in every encovniter were hopelessly slaughtered. 
The day of judgment alone can reveal the miserj' 
which this war caused. It was by the ingenuity 
of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was 
brought on. 

"To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico 
was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our 
hands. We now consented to peace upon the 
condition that Mexico should surrender to us, in 
addition to Texas, all of New Mexico, and all of 
Upper and Lower California. This new demand 
embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred 
thousand square miles. This was an extent of 
territory equal to nine .States of the size of New 
York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen ma- 
jestic States to be added to the Union. There 
were some Americans who thought it all right; 
there were others who thought it all wrong. In 
the prosecution of this war we expended twenty 
thousand lives and more than $100,000,000. Of 
this money $15,000,000 were paid to Mexico. 

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired 
from office, having served one term. The next 
day was Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taj-lor was 
inaugurate 1 as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to 
the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Tay- 
lor, and the .same evening, with Mrs. Polk, he 
commenced his return to Tennessee. He was 
then but fifty-four years of age. He had always 
been strictly temperate in all his habits, and his 
health was good. With an ample fortune, a 
choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic 
ties of the dearest nature, it seemed as though 
long years of tranquillity and happiness were be- 
fore him. But the cholera — that fearful scourge 
— was then sweeping uj) the Valley of the Missis- 
sippi, and he contracted the disease, dying on the 
15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth year of his 
age, greatly mounied by his countrj-men. 




/.ACHAKV TAVI.OK 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 



G7ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth President of 
ji the Uuiteci States, was born on the 24th of 
/~) November, 1784, in Orange County, Va. 
His father. Col. Taylor, was a Virginian of 
note, and a distinguished patriot and soldier of 
tlie Revolution. When Zachary was an infant, 
his father, with his wife and two children, emi- 
grated to Kentucky, where he .settled in the path- 
less wilderness, a few miles from Louisville. In 
this frontier home, away from civilization and all 
its refinements, joung Zachani' could enjoy but 
few social and educational advantages. When 
six years of age he attended a common school, 
and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, 
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of 
character. He was strong, fearless and self-reli- 
ant, and manifested a strong desire to enter the 
army to fight the Indians, who were ravaging the 
frontiers. There is little to be recorded of the 
uneventful years of his childhood on his father's 
large but lonely plantation. 

In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for 
him a commission as Lieutenant in the United 
States army, and he joined the troops which were 
stationed at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. 
Soon after this he married Miss Margaret Smith, 
a young lady from one of the first families of 
Maryland. 

Innnediately after the declaration of war with 
England, in 1812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then 
been promoted to that rank) was put in command 
of Ft. Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles 
above Vincennes. This fort had been built in the 
wilderness by Gen. Harrison, on his march to 
Tippecanoe. It was one of the first points of at- 
tack by the Indians, led by Tecumseh. Its garri- 
son consisted of a broken company of infantrj', 
numbering fifty men, many of whom were sick. 

Early in the autumn of 181 2, the Indians, 
stealthily, and in large numbers, moved upon the 



fort. Their approach was first indicated by the 
murder of two soldiers just outside of the stockade. 
Capt. Taylor made every possible preparation to 
meet the anticipated assault. On the 4th of Sep- 
tember, a band of forty painted and plumed sav- 
ages came to the fort, waving a white flag, and 
informed Capt. Taylor that in the morning their 
chief would come to have a talk with him. It 
was evident that their object was merely to ascer- 
tain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. 
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, 
kept them at a distance. 

The sun went down; ihe savages disappeared; 
the garrison slept upon their arms. One hour 
before midnight the war-whoop burst from a 
thousand lips in the forest around, followed by 
the discharge of musketry and the rush of the 
foe. Every man, sick and well, sprang to his 
post. Every man knew that defeat was not 
merely death, but, in the ca.se of capture, death by 
the most agonizing and prolonged torture. No 
pen can describe, no imagination can conceive, the 
scenes which ensued. The savages succeeded in 
setting fire to one of the block-houses. Until six 
o'clock in the morning this awful conflict con- 
tinued, when the savages, baffled at every point 
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. 
Capt. Taylor, for this gallant defense, was pro- 
moted to the rank of Major by brevet. 

Until the close of the war, Maj. Taylor was 
placed in such situations that he saw but little 
more of active service. He was sent far away 
into the depths of the wilderness to Ft. Craw- 
ford, on Fox River, which empties into Green 
Bay. Here there was little to be done but to 
wear away the tedious hours as one best could. 
There were no books, no society, no intellectual 
stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful years 
rolled on. Gradually he rose to the rank of 
Colonel. In the Black Hawk War, which re- 



64 __^ 

suited iu the capture of that rcuowned chieftain, 
Col. Taylor took a subordinate, but a brave and 
efficient, part. 

For twenty- four years Col. Taylor was engaged 
in the defense of the frontiers, in scenes so re- 
mote, and in employments so ob.scure, that his 
name was unknown beyond the limits of his own 
immediate acquaintance. In the year 1836, he 
was sent to Florida to compel the Seminole Indi- 
ans to vacate that region, and retire beyond the 
Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty had prom- 
ised they should do. The services rendered here 
secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of 
the Government, and as a reward he was ele- 
vated to the high rank of Brigadier-General by 
brevet, and soon after, in May, 1838, was ap- 
pointed to the chief command of the United 
States troops in Florida. 

After two years of wearisome employment 
amidst the everglades of the Peninsula, Gen. Tay- 
lor obtained, at his own request, a change of 
command, and was stationed over the Department 
of the Southwest. This field embraced Louisiana, 
Missis,sippi, Alabama and Georgia. Establishing 
his headquarters at Ft. Je.ssup, in Loui.siana, he 
removed his family to a plantation which he pur- 
cha.sed near Baton Rouge. Here lie remained 
for five years, buried, as it were, from the world, 
but faithfully discharging every duty imposed 
upon him. 

In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the 
land between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the 
latter river being the boundary of Texas, which 
was then claimed by the United States. Soon 
the war with Mexico was brought on, and at Palo 
Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Gen. Taylor won 
brilliant victories over the Mexicans. The rank 
of Major-General by brevet was then conferred 
upon Gen. Taylor, and his name was received 
with enthusiasm almost everywhere in the na- 
tion. Then came the battles of Monterey and 
Buena Vista, in which he won signal victories 
over forces much larger than he commanded. 

The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena 
Vista spread the wildest enthu.siasm over the 
country. The name of Gen. Taylor was on 
every one's lips. The Whig party decided to 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 



take advantage of this wonderful jiopularity in 
bringing forward the unpolished, unlettered, hon- 
est soldier as their candidate for the Presidency. 
Gen. Taylor was astonished at the announce- 
ment, and for a time would not listen to it, de- 
claring that he was not at all qualified for such 
an office. So little interest had he taken in poli- 
tics, that for forty years he had not cast a vote. 
It was not without chagrin that several distin- 
guished statesmen, who had been long years in 
the public .service, found their claims set aside in 
behalf of one whose name had never been heard 
of, save in coiniection with Palo Alto, Resaca de 
la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista. It is said 
that Daniel Webster, in his haste, remarked, " It 
is a nomination not fit to be made." 

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a 
fine writer. His friends took possession of him, 
and prepared such few conmiunications as it was 
needful should be presented to the public. The 
popularity of the successful warrior swept the 
land. He w-as triumphantly elected over two 
opposing candidates, — Gen. Cass and Ex-Presi- 
dent Martin \'an Buren. Though he selected an 
excellent cabinet, the good old man found himself 
in a very uncongenial position, and was at times 
sorely perplexed and harassed. His mental suf- 
ferings were very severe, and probabl)- tended to 
hasten his death. The pro-slavery party was 
pushing its claims with tireless energy; expedi- 
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba; California 
was pleading for admission to the Union, while 
slavery stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. 
Taylor foinid the political conflicts in Washington 
to be far more trying to the nerves than battles 
with Mexicans or Indians. 

In the midst of all the.se troubles. Gen. Taylor, 
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but 
little over a year, took cold, and after a brief 
sickness of but little over five days, died, on the 
9th of July, 1850. His la.st words were, "I am 
not afraid to die. I am ready. I have endeav- 
ored to do my duty." He died universally re- 
spected and beloved. An honest, unpretending 
man, he had been steadily growing in the affec- 
tions of the people, and the Nation bitterly la- 
mented his death. 




M1I,I,.\KI) FIIJ.MOKR. 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 



y /I ILLARD FILLMORE, thirteenth PreMUeul 
y of the United States, was born at vSununer 
GJ Hill, Cayuga County, N. V.. on the 7th of 
January, 1800. Hisfather was a farmer, and, owing 
to misfortune, in humble circumstances. Of his 
mother, the daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, of 
Pittsfield, Mass., it has been said that she pos- 
sessed an intellect of a higli order, united with 
much personal loveliness, sweetness of dispo.si- 
tion, graceful manners and exquisite sensibilities. 
She died in 1831, having lived to see her son a 
young man of distinguished promise, though she 
was not permitted to witness the high dignity 
which he finally attained. 

In consequence of the secluded home and limited 
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender 
advantages for education in his early years. The 
common schools, which he occasionally attended, 
were very imperfect institutions, and books were 
scarce and expensive. There was nothing then 
in his character to indicate the brilliant career 
upon which he was about to enter. He was a 
plain farmer's boy — intelligent, good-looking, 
kind-hearted. The sacred influences of home 
had taught him to revere the Bible, and had laid 
the foundations of an upright character. When 
fourteen years of age, his father sent him some 
hundred miles from home to the then wilds of 
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. 
Near the mill there was a small village, where 
some enterprising man had commenced the col- 
lection of a village library. This proved an in- 
estimable blessing to young Fillmore. His even- 
ings were spent in reading. Soon every leisure 
moment was occupied with books. His thirst for 
knowledge became insatiate, and the selections 
which he made were continually more elevating 
and instructive. He read history, biography, 
oratory, and thus gradually there was enkindled 



in his heart a desire to be something more than a 
mere worker with his hands. 

The young clothier had now attained the age 
of nineteen years, and was of fine personal appear- 
ance and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so hap- 
pened that there was a gentleman in the neigh- 
borhood of ample pecuniary means and of benev- 
olence, — ^Judge Walter Wood, — who was struck 
with the prepossessing appearance of young Fill- 
more. He made his acquaintance, and was so 
much impressed with his ability and attainments 
that he advised him to abandon his trade and de- 
vote himself to the .study of the law. The young 
man replied that he had no means of his own, 
no friends to help him, and that his previous edu- 
cation had been ver^' imperfect. But Judge Wood 
had so much confidence in him that he kindly 
offered to take him into his own office, and to 
lend him such money as he needed. Most grate- 
fully the generous offer was accepted. 

There is in many minds a strange delusion 
about a collegiate education. A young man is 
suppo.sed to be liberally educated if he has gradu- 
ated at some college. But many a boy who loi- 
ters through university halls and then enters z 
law office is by no means as well prepared to 
pro.secute his legal studies as was Millard Fill- 
more when he graduated at the clothing-mill at 
the end of four years of manual labor, during 
which everj- leisure moment had been devoted tt 
intense mental culture. 

In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he 
was admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. 
He then went to the village of Aurora, and com- 
menced the practice of law. In this secluded, 
quiet region, his practice, of course, was limited, 
and there was no opportunity for a sudden rise in 
fortune or in fame. Here, in 1826, he married 3 
lady of great moral worth, and one capable of 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 



iidoniing any station she might be called to fill, — 
Miss Abigail Powers. 

His elevation of character, his untiring industry, 
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advo- 
cate, gradually attracted attention, and he was 
invited to enter into partnership, under highly ad- 
vantageous circumstances, with an elder member 
of the Bar in Bufialo. Just before removing to 
Buffalo, in 1829, he took his seat in the House of 
Assembly of the State of New York, as a Repre- 
.sentative from Erie County. Though he had 
never taken a very active part in politics, his vote 
and sympathies were with the Whig party. The 
State was then Democratic, and he found himself 
:n a helpless minority in the Legislature; still the 
testimony comes from all parties that his courtesy, 
ability and integrity won, to a ver>- unusual de- 
gree, the resi)ect of his associates. 

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a 
seat in the United States Congress. He entered 
that troubled arena in the most tumultuous hours 
of our national history, when the great conflict 
respecting the national bank and the removal of 
the deposits was raging. 

His term of two years closed, and he returned 
to his profession, which he pursued with increas- 
ing reputation and success. After a lap.se of two 
years he again became a candidate for Congress; 
was re-elected, and took his .seat in ;837. His 
past experience as a Representative gave him 
strength and confidence. The first term of sersuce 
in Congress to any man can be but little more 
than an introduction. He was now prepared for 
active duty. All his energies were brought to 
bear upon the public good. Every measure re- 
ceived his impress. 

Mr. Fillmore w; ; now a man of wide repute, 
and his popularity filled the State. In the year 
1847, when he had attained the age of forty - 
seven years, he was elected Comptroller of the 
State. His labors at the Bar, in the Legisla- 
ture, in Congress and as Comptroller, had given 
him very considerable fame. The Whigs were 
casting about to find suitable candidates for Presi- 
dent and Vice-President at the approaching elec- 
tion. Far away on the waters of the Rio Grande, 
there was a rough old soldier, who had fought 



one or two successful battles with the Mexicans, 
which had caused his name to be proclaimed in 
trumpet-tones all over the land as a candidate for 
the j)residency. But it was necessar>- to associate 
with him on the same ticket some man of repu- 
tation as a -statesman. 

Under the influence of these considerations, the 
names of Zacharj- Taylor and Millard Fillmore 
became the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their 
candidates for President and \'ice-Preside!rt. The 
Whig ticket was signally triumphant. On the 
4th of March, 1849, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated 
President, and Millard Fillmore \'ice-President. 
of the United States. 

On the 9th of July, 1850, Pre.sident Taylo?. 
about one year and four months after his inaugura 
tion, was suddenlj- taken sick and died. By the 
Constitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus be 
came President. He appointed a very able cabi 
net, of which the illustrious Daniel Webster was 
Secretary' of State; nevertheless, he had serious 
difficulties to contend with, since the opposition 
had a majority in both Houses. He did all in hi.-- 
power to conciliate the South; but the pro-slavei» 
party in the South felt the inadequacy of al 
measures of transient conciliation. The popula 
tion of the free States was so rapidly increasing 
over that of the slave States, that it was inevitable 
that the power of the Government should soon 
pass into the hands of the free States. The fa 
mous compromise measures were adopted undei 
Mr. Fillmore's administration, and the Japan ex 
pedition was sent out. On the 4th of March 
1853, he, having .served one term, retired. 

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the 
Presidency by the "Know-Nothing" party, but 
was beaten by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. 
Pllhnore lived in retirement. During the terri- 
ble conflict of civil war, he was mostly silent. It 
was generally supposed that his sympathies were 
rather with those who were endeavoring to over- 
throw our institutions. President Fillmore kept 
aloof from the conflict, without any cordial words 
of cheer to one party or the other. He was thus 
forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe old age, 
and died in Buffalo, N. Y., March 8, 1874. 




FRANKLIN I'IKRCK. 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 



RANKLIN PIERCE, the fourttenth Presi- 
dent of the United States, was born in Hills- 
borough, N. H., November 23, 1804. His 
father was a Revolutionary soldier, who with his 
own strong arm hewed out a home in the wilder- 
ness. He was a man of inflexible integrity, of 
strong, though uncultivated, mind, andwasanun- 
coinpromising Democrat. The mother of Frank- 
lin Pierce was all that a son could desire — an in- 
telligent, prudent, affectionate, Christian woman. 

Franklin, who was the si.xth of eight children, 
was a remarkably' bright and handsome boy, 
generous, warm-hearted and brave. He wou 
alike the love of old and young. The boys on 
the play-ground loved him. His teachers loved 
him. The neighbors looked upon him with pride 
and affection. He was by instinct a gentleman, 
always speaking kind words, and doing kind 
deeds, with a peculiar, unstudied tact which 
taught him what was agreeable. Without de- 
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural 
devotion to books, he was a good scholar, and in 
body and mind a finely developed boy. 

When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, 
he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me. 
He was one of che mo.st popular young men in 
the college. The purity of his moral character, 
the unvarying courtesy of his demeanor, his rank 
as a scholar, and genial nature, rendered him a 
universal favorite. There was something pe- 
culiarly winning in his address, and it was evi- 
dently not in the slightest degree .studied — it was 
the simple outgushing of his own magnanimous 
and loving nature. 

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin 
Pierce commenced the study of law in the office 
of Judge Woodburj', one of the most distinguished 



lawyers of the State, and a man of great private 
worth. The eminent .social qualities of the young 
lawyer, his father's prominence as a public man, 
and the brilliant political career into which Judge 
Woodburj- was entering, all tended to entice Mr. 
Pierce into the fascinating yet perilous path of 
political life. With all the ardor of his nature he 
espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presi- 
dency. He commenced the practice of law in 
Hillsborough, and was soon elected to represent 
the town in the State Legislature. Here he 
served for four years. The last two years he was 
chosen Speaker of the Hou.se by a very large 
vote. 

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was 
elected a member of Congress. In 1837, being 
then bur thirty-three years old, he was elected to 
the Senate, taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren 
commenced his administration. He was the 
youngest member in the Senate. In the year 
1834, he married Miss Jane Means Appleton, a 
lady of rare beauty and accomplishments, and one 
admirably fitted to adorn every station with which 
her Im.sband was honored. Of the three sons who 
were born to them, all now sleep with their par- 
ents in the grave. 

In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing 
fame and increasing business as a lawyer, took up 
his residence in Concord, the capital of New 
Hampshire. President Polk, upon his accession 
to office, appointed Mr. Pierce Attorney-General 
of the United vStates; but the offer was declined 
in consequence of numerous professional engage- 
ments at home, and the precarious state of Mrs. 
Pierce's health. He also, about the same time, 
declined the nomination for Governor by the 
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called 



72 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 



Mr. Pierce into the army. Receiving the appoint- 
ment of Brigadier-General, he embarked with a 
portion of his troops at Newport, R. I., on the 
27th of May, 1847. He took an important part 
in this war, proving himself a brave and true sol- 
dier. 

When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his na- 
tive State, he was received enthusiastically by the 
advocates of the Mexican War, and coldly by his 
opponents. He resumed the practice of his pro- 
fession, very frequently taking an active part in 
political questions, giving his cordial supjwrt to 
the pro-slavery wing of the Democratic party. 
The compromise measures met cordially with his 
approval, and he strenuously advocated the en- 
forcement of the infamous Fugitive Slave Law, 
which so shocked the religious .sensibilities of the 
North. He thus became distingTiished as a 
' ' Northern man with Southern principles. ' ' The 
strong i)artisans of slavery in the South conse- 
quently regarded him as a man whom they could 
safely trust in office to carrj' out their plans. 

On the i2th of June. 1852, the Democratic con- 
vention met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate 
for the Presidency. P'or four days they contin- 
ued in ses.sion, and in thirty-five ballotings no one 
had obtained a two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus 
far had been thrown for Gen. Pierce. Then the 
Virginia delegation brought forward his name. 
There were fourteen more ballotings, during which 
Gen. Pierce constantly gained strength, until, at 
the forty-ninth ballot, he received two hundred 
and eighty -two votes, and all other candidates 
eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was the Whig can- 
didate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with great una- 
nimity. Only four States — Vermont, Massachu- 
setts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their elec- 
toral votes against him. Gen. Franklin Pierce 
was therefore inaugurated President of the United 
States on the 4lh of March, 1853. 

His administration proved one of the most 
stormy our country had ever experienced. The 
controvers)- between slavery and freedom was 
then approaching its culminating point. It be- 
came evident that there was to be an irrepressible 
conflict between them, and that this nation 
could not long exist " half slave and half free." 



President Pierce, during the whole of his admin- 
i.stration, did everything he could to conciliate the 
South; but it was all in vain. The conflict every 
year grew more violent, and threats of the disso- 
lution of the Union were borne to the North on 
every Southern breeze. 

Such was the condition of affairs when Presi- 
dent Pierce approached the close of his four- 
years term of office. The North had become 
thoroughly alienated from him. The anti-slavery 
sentiment, goaded by great outrages, had been 
rapidly increasing; all the intellectual ability and 
social worth of President Pierce were forgotten in 
deep reprehension of his administrative acts. The 
slaveholders of the South also, unmindful of the 
fidelity with which he had advocated those meas- 
ures of Government which they approved, and 
perhaps feeling that he had rendered himself 
so unpopular as no longer to be able to accepta- 
bly serve them, ungratefully dropped him, and 
nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. 

On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re- 
turned to his home in Concord. His three chil- 
dren were all dead, his last sun,-iving child hav- 
ing been killed before his eyes in a railroad acci- 
dent; and his wife, one of the most estimable and 
accomplished of ladies, was rapidly sinking in 
consumption. The hour of dreadful gloom soon 
came, and he was left alone in the world without 
wife or child. 

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth which 
divided our countr\- into two parties, and two 
only, Mr. Pierce remained steadfast in the prin- 
ciples which he had always cherished, and gave 
his .sympathies to that pro-slavery party with 
which he had ever been allied. He declined to 
do anything, either by voice or pen, to strengthen 
the hand of the National Government. He con- 
tinued to reside in Concord until the time of his 
death, which occurred in October, 1869. He was 
one of the most genial and social of men, an hon- 
ored communicant of the Episcopal Church, and 
one of the kindest of neighbors. Generous to a 
fault, he contributed liberally toward the allevia- 
tion of suffering and want, and many of his 
towns-people were often gladdened by his material 
bounty. 




JA.MICS lUCIIANAN. 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 



(Tames BUCHANAN, the fifteenth President 
I of the United States, was born in a small 
(2/ frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge 
of the Alleghanies, in Franklin County, Pa., ou 
the 23d of April, 1791. The place where the 
humble cabin home stood was called Stony Bat- 
ter. His father was a native of the north of Ire- 
land, who had emigrated in 1783, with little prop- 
erty save his own strong arms. Five years after- 
ward he married Elizabeth Spear, the daughter 
of a respectable farmer, and, with his young bride, 
plunged into the wilderness, staked his claim, 
reared his log hut, opened a clearing with his 
axe, and settled down thereto perform his obscure j 
part in the drama of life. When James was eight | 
years of age, his father removed to the village of 
Mercersburg, where his son was placed at school, 
and commenced a course of study in English, 
Latin and Greek. His progress was rapid, and 
at the age of fourteen he entered Dickinson Col- 
lege, at Carlisle. Here he developed remarkable 
talent, and took his stand among the first scholars 
in the institution. 

In the year :^^^ he graduated with the high- 
est honors of his cla.s.s He was then eighteen 
years of age; tall ana graceful, vigorous in health, 
fond of athletic sports, an unerring shot, and en- 
livened with an exuberant flow of animal spirits. 
He immediately commencec the study of law in 
the city of Lancaster, and was admitted to the 
Bar in 181 2, when he was bu twenty-one years 
of age. 

In 1820, he reluctantly consented to nin as a 
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for 
ten years he remained a member of the Lower 
House. During the vacations of Congress, he 



occaoionally tried some important case. In 1831 
he retired altogether from the toils of his profes- 
sion, having acquired an ample fortune. 

Gen. Jack.son, upon his elevation to the Presi- 
dency, appointed Mr. Buchanan Minister to Rus- 
sia. The duties of his mission he performed 
with ability, and gave sadsfaction to all parties. 
Upon his return, in 1833, he was elected to a seat 
in the United States Senate. He there met as 
his associates Webster, Clay, Wright and Cal- 
houn. He advocated the measures proposed by 
President Jackson, of making reprisals against 
France to enforce the payment of our claims 
against that countrj-, and defended the course of 
the President in his unprecedented and wholesale 
removal from office of those who were not the 
supporters of his administration. Upon this 
question he was brought into direct collision with 
Henry Clay. He also, with voice and vote, ad- 
vocated expunging from the journal of the Senate 
the vote of censure against Gen. Jackson for re- 
moving the deposits. Earnestly he opposed the 
abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, 
and urged the prohibition of the circulation of 
anti-slavery documents by the United States 
mails. As to petitions on the subject of .slavery , 
he advocated that they should be respectfully re- 
ceived, and that the reply should be returned 
that Congress had no power to legislate upon the 
subject. "Congress," said he, "might as well 
undertake to interfere with slavery under a for- 
eign government as in any of the States where it 
now exists." 

Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency. 
Mr Buchanan became Secretary of .State, and ap 
such took his share of the responsibility in th^ 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 



conduct of the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed 
that crossing the Nueces b\- tlie American 
troops into the disputed territorj- was not wrong, 
but for the Mexicans to cross the Rio Grande 
uito Texas was a declaration of war. No candid 
man can read with pleasure the account of the 
course our Government pursued in that movement. 

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly 
with the party devoted to the perpetuation and 
extension of slavery-, and brought all the energies 
of his mind to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. 
He gave his cordial approval to the compromise 
measures of 1850, which included the Fugitive 
Slave Law. Mr. Pierce, upon his election to the 
Presidency, honored Mr. Buchanan with the mis- 
sion to England. 

In the year 1856, a national Democratic Con- 
vention nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presi- 
dency. The i)olitical conflict was one of the most 
severe in which our country has ever engaged. 
All the friends of slaverj- were on one side; all 
the advocates of its restriction and final abolition 
on the other. Mr. Fremont, the candidate of the 
enemies of slavery, received one hundred and 
fourteen electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 
one hundred and seventy-four, and was elected. 
The popular vote .stood 1,340,618 for Fremont, 
1,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4, 1857, 
the latter was inaugurated. 

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only 
four years were wanting to fill up his three-score 
years and ten. His own friends, those with 
whom he had been allied in political principles 
and action for years, were seeking the destruc- 
tion of the Government, that they might rear 
upon the ruins of our free institutions a nation 
whose corner-stone .should be human slavery. In 
this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly 
bewildered. He could not, with his long-avowed 
principles, consistently oppo.se the State Rights 
party in their assumptions. As President of the 
United States, 1x)und by his oath faithfully to 
administer the laws, he could not, without per- 
jur>' of the grossest kind, unite with tho.se en- 
deavoring to overthrow the Republic. He there- 
fore did nothing. 

The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administra- 



tion nominated Abraham Lincoln as their stand- 
ard-bearer in the next Presidential canvass. 
The pro-slaverj^ party declared that if he were 
elected and the control of the Government were 
thus taken from their hands, they would .secede 
from the Union, taking with them as they retired 
the National Capitol at Washington and the 
lion's .share of the territory of the United States. 

As the storm increa.sed in violence, the slave- 
holders claiming the right to secede, and Mr. 
Buchanan avowing that Congress had no power 
to prevent it, one of the mo.st pitiable exhibitions 
of governmental imbecility was exhibited that the 
world has ever seen. He declared that Congress 
had no power to enforce its laws in any State 
which had withdrawn, or which was attempting 
to withdraw, from the Union. This was not the 
doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with his hand 
upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed: "The Union 
must and shall be preserved!" 

vSouth Carolina .seceded in December, i860, 
nearly three months before the inauguration of 
President Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in 
listless despair. The rebel flag was raised in 
Charleston; Ft. Sumter was besieged; our forts, 
navy-yards and arsenals were seized; our depots 
of militar)- stores were plundered, and our cus- 
tom-houses and post-offices were appropriated by 
the rebels. 

The energy of the rebels and the imbecility of 
our Executive were alike marvelous. The na- 
tion looked on in agony, waiting fur the slow 
weeks to glide away and clo.se the administration, 
so terrible in its weakness. At length the long- 
looked-for hour of deliverance came, when Abra- 
ham Lincoln was to receive the scepter. 

The administration of President Buchanan was 
certainlj- the most calamitous our country has ex- 
perienced. His best friends can not recall it with 
pleasure. And .still more deplorable it is for his 
fame, that in that dreadful conflict which rolled 
its billows of flame and blood over our whole 
land, no word came from his lips to indicate his 
wish that our country's banner should triumph 
over the flag of the Rebellion. He died at his 
Wlicatland retreat, June i, 1868. 




AURAIIAiM LINCOLN. 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 



Gl BRAHAM LINCOLN, the sixteenth Presi- 
LA dent of the United States, was boru in Hardin 
/ I County, Ky., February 12, 1809. About 
the year 1780, a man b}' the name of Abraham 
Lincohi left Virginia with his family and moved 
into the then wilds of Kentucky. Only two years 
after this emigration, and while still a young man, 
he was working one day in a field, when an Indian 
stealthil)' approached and killed him. His widow 
was left in extreme poverty with five little chil- 
dren, three boys and two girls. Thomas, the 
youngest of the boys, and the father of President 
Abraham Lincoln, was four years of age at his 
father's death. 

When twenty-eight years old, Thomas Lincoln 
built a log cabin, and married Nancy Hanks, the 
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky 
emigrants, who had also come from Virginia. 
Their second child was Abraham Lincoln, the sub- 
ject of this sketch. The mother of Abraham was 
a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created 
to adorn a palace, but doomed to toil and pine, and 
die in a hovel. " All that I am, or hope to be," 
exclaimed the grateful son, " I owe to my angel- 
mother. ' ' When he was eight years ot age, his 
father sold his cabin and small farm and moved 
to Indiana, where two years later his mother died. 

As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly 
family was the usual lot of humanity. There 
were joys and griefs, weddings and funerals. 
Abraham's sister Sarah, to whom he was tenderly 
attached, was married when a child of but four- 
teen years of age, and soon died. The family 
was gradually scattered, and Thomas Lincoln 
sold out his squatter's claim in 1830, and emi- 
grated to Macon County, 111. 

Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years 
of age. With vigorous hands he aided his father 
in rearing another log cabin, and worked quite 
diligently at this until he saw the family com- 
fortably settled, and their small lot of enclosed 
prairie planted with corn, when he announced to 



his father his intention to leave home, and to gc 
out into the world and seek his fortune. Littk 
did he or his friends imagine how brilliant thai 
fortune was to be. He saw the value of educa- 
tion and was intensely earnest to improve his 
mind to the utmost of his power. Religion he 
revered. His morals were pure, and he was un- 
contaminated by a single vice. 

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired 
laborer among the farmers. Then he went to 
Springfield, where he was employed in building 
a large flat-boat. In this he took a herd of swine, 
floated them down the Sangamon to Illinois, and 
thence by the Mississippi to New Orleans. What- 
ever Abraham Lincoln undertook, he performed 
so faithfully as to give great satisfaction to his 
employers. In this adventure the latter were 
so well pleased, that upon his return they placed 
a store and mill under his care. 

In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk 
War, he enlisted and was chosen Captain of a 
company. He returned to Sangamon County, 
and, although only twenty-three years of age, was 
a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated. 
He .soon after received from Andrew Jackson the 
appointment of Postmaster of New Salem. His 
only po.st-office was his hat. All the letters he 
received he carried there, read)- to deliver to those 
he chanced to meet. He studied .surveying, and 
soon made this his bu.siness. In 1834 he again 
became a candidate for the Legislature and was 
elected. Mr. Stuart, of Springfield, advised him 
to study law. He walked from New Salem to 
Springfield, borrowed of Mr. Stuart a load oi 
books, carried them back, and began his legal 
studies. When the Legislature a.ssembled, he 
trudged on foot with his pack on his back one 
hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here 
it was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 
he removed to Springfield and began the practice 
of law. His success with the jury was so great 



8o 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 



that he was soon engaged in almost even- noted 
case in the circuit. 

In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr. 
Lincohi and Mr. Douglas on the slavery ques- 
tion. In the organization of the Repulilican party 
in Illinois, in 1856, he took an active part, and at 
once became one of the leaders in that party. 
Mr. Lincoln's speeches in opposition to Senator 
Douglas in the contest in 1858 for a seat in the 
Senate, fonn a most notable part of his history. 
The issue was on the slavery question, and he 
took the broad ground of the Declaration of In- 
dependence, that all men are created equal. Mr. 
Lincoln was defeated in this contest, but won a 
far higher prize. 

The great Republican Con\ention met at Chi- 
cago on the i6th of June, 1S60. The delegates' 
and strangers who crowded the city amounted to 
twenty-five thousand. An immense building 
called " The Wigwam," was reared to accommo- 
date the convention. There were eleven candi- 
dates for whom votes were thrown. William H. 
Seward, a man whose fame as a statesman had 
long filled the land, was the most prominent. It 
was generally supposed he would be the nomi- 
nee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received the 
nomination on the third ballot. 

Election daj' came, and Mr. Lincoln received 
one hundred and eighty electoral votes out of two 
hundred and three cast, and was, therefore, con- 
stitutionally elected President of the United States. 
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this 
good and merciful man, especially by the slave- 
holders, was greater than upon any other man 
ever elected to this high position. In February, 
1 861, Mr. Lincoln .started for Washington, stop- 
ping in all the large cities on his way, making 
speeciies. The whole journey was fraught with 
much danger. Many of the Southern States had 
already .seceded, and several attempts at assassi- 
nation were afterward brought to light. A gang 
in Baltimore had arranged upon his arrival to 
"get up a row," and in the confusion to make 
sure of his death with revolvers and iiand-gren- 
ades. A detective unravelled the plot. A .secret 
and special train was pro\ided to take him from 
Ilarrisburg, through Baltimore, at an unexpected 



hour of the night. The tram started at halfpa.st 
ten, and to prevent any possible communication 
on the part of the Seces.sionists with their Con- 
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train 
had started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. 
Lincoln reached Washington in safety and was 
inaugurated, although great anxiety was felt by 
all loyal people. 

In the .selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave 
to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to 
other prominent opponents before the convention 
he gave important positions; but during no other 
administration had the duties devolving upon the 
President been .so manifold, and the responsibilities 
so great, as those which fell to his lot. Knowing 
this, and feeling his own weakness and inability 
to meet, and in his own strength to cope with, 
the difficulties, he learned early to seek Divine 
wisdom and guidance in determining his plans, 
and Divine comfort in all his trials, both personal 
and national. Contrary to his own estimate of 
himself Mr. Lincoln was one of the most cour- 
ageous of men. He went directly into the rebel 
capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, with 
no guard but a few sailors. From the time he 
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had 
been made for his as.sassination, and he at last 
fell a victim to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, 
with Gen. Grant, was urgently invited to attend 
Ford's Theatre. It was announced that they 
would be present. Gen. Grant, however, left the 
city. President Lincoln, feeling, with his char- 
acteristic kindliness of heart, that it would be a 
disappointment if he should fail them, ver>' re- 
luctantly consented to go. While listening to 
the play, an actor by the name of John Wilke: 
Booth entered the box where the President and 
family were seated, and fired a bullet into his 
brain. He died the next morning at seven 
o'clock. 

Never Ix-fore in the history of the world was 
a nation plunged into such deep grief by the death 
of its ruler Strong men met in the streets and 
wept in speechless angui.sh. His was a life which 
will fitly Ijecome a model. His name as the 
Savior of his countr> will li\c willi tliat of Wash- 
ington's, its Father. 




ANDKIvW lOIINSOX, 



ANDREW JOHNSON. 



Gl NDREW JOHNSON, sevenleeulh President 
of the United States. The early life of An- 
/ I drew Johnson contains but the record of pov- 
erty , destitution and friendlessness. He was born 
December 29, 1808, in Raleigh, N. C. His par- 
ents, belonging to the class of "poor whites" 
of the South, were in such circumstances that they 
could not confer even the slightest advantages of 
education upon their child. When Andrew was 
five years of age, his father accidentally lost his 
life, while heroically endeavoring to save a friend 
from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew 
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by 
the labor of his mother, who obtained her living 
with her own hands. 

He then, having never attended a school one 
day, and being unable either to read or write, was 
apprenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gen- 
tleman was in the habit of going to the tailor's 
shop occasionally, and reading to the boys at 
v^ork there. He often read from the speeches of 
distingui.shed British statesmen. Andrew, who 
was endowed with a mind of more than ordinary 
ability, became much interested in these .speeches; 
his ambition was roused, and he was in.spired with 
a strong de.sire to learn to read. 

He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, 
and with the assistance of some of his fellow- 
workmen learned his letters. He then called upon 
the gentleman to borrow the book of speeches. 
The owner, pleased with his zeal, not only gave 
him the book, but assisted him in learning to com- 
bine the letters into words. Under such difficul- 
ties he pressed onward laboriou.sly, spending u.su- 
ally ten or twelve hours at work in the shop, and 
then robbing him.self of rest and recreation to de- 
vote such time as he could to reading. 

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at 



Greenville, where he married a young lady who 
possessed some education. Under her instructions 
he learned to write and cipher. He became 
prominent in the village debating society, and a 
favorite with the students of Greenville College. 
In 1828, he organized a working man's party, 
which elected him Alderman, and in 1830 elected 
him Mayor, which position he held three years. 

He now began to take a lively interest in 
political affairs, identifying himself with the work- 
ing-class, to which he belonged. In 1835, he 
was elected a member of the House of Represent- 
atives of Tennessee. He was then just twenty- 
seven years of age. He became a very active 
member of the Legislature, gave his support to 
the Democratic party, and in 1840 "stumped the 
State," advocating Martin Van Buren's claims to 
the Presidency, in opposition to those of Gen. 
Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much 
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased 
his reputation. 

In 1 84 1, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, 
he was elected a Member of Congress, and by suc- 
cessive elections held that important post for ten 
years. In 1853, he was elected Governor of Tenn- 
essee, and was re-elected in 1855. In all these 
responsible positions, he discharged his duties 
with distinguished ability, and proved himself the 
warm friend of the working classes. In 1857, Mr. 
Johnson was elected United States Senator. 

Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated 
the annexation of Texas, stating, however, as his 
reason, that he thought this annexation would 
probably prove "to be the gateway out of which 
the sable sons of Africa are to pass from bondage 
to freedom, and become merged in a population 
congenial to themselves." In 1850, he also sup- 
ported the compromise measures, the two essen- 



84 



ANDREW JOHNSON. 



tial features of which wer^ , that the white people 
of the Territories should be permitted to decide 
for themselves whether they would enslave the 
colored people or not, and that the free States of 
the North should return to the South persons who 
attempted to escape from slaverj'. 

Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly 
origin: on the contrarj% he often took pride in 
avowing that he owed his distinction to his own 
exertions. "Sir," said he on the floor of the 
Senate, "I do not forget that I am a mechanic; 
tieither do I forget that Adam was a tailor and 
sewed fig-leaves, and that our Savior was the son 
of a carpenter." 

In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i860, 
he was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for 
the Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of 
the Southern Democracy became apparent, he took 
a decided stand in favor of the Union, and held 
that "slaverj' must be held subordinate to the 
Union at whatever cost." He returned to Tenn- 
essee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to 
protect the Unionists of that State. Tennessee 
having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln, 
on March 4, 1862, appointed him Military Gov- 
ernor of the State, and he established the most 
stringent military rule. His numerous proclama- 
tions attracted wide attention. In 1864, he was 
elected Vice-President of the United States, and 
upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 1865, 
became President. In a speech two days later he 
said, "The American people must be taught, if 
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime 
and must be punished; that the Government will 
not always bear with its enemies; that it is strong 
not only to protect, but to punish. * * The 
people must understand that it (treason) is the 
blackest of crimes, and will surely be punished." 
Yet his whole administration, the historj^ of which 
is so well known, was in utter inconsistency with, 
and in the mo.st violent opposition to, the princi- 
ples laid down in that speech. 

In his loose policy of reconstruction and general 
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress, and he 
characterized Congress as a new rebellion, and 
lawlessly defied it in ever\'thing possilile to the ut- 
most. In the beginning of 1868, on account of 



"High crimes and misdemeanors," the principal 
of which was the removal of Secretary Stanton in 
violation of the Tenure of Office Act, articles of 
impeachment were preferred against him, and the 
trial began March 23. 

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three 
months. A test article of the impeachment was 
at length submitted to the court for its action. It 
was certain that as the court voted upon that ar- 
ticle so would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices 
pronounced the President guilty. As a two-thirds 
vote was necessarA- to his condemnation, he was 
pronounced acquitted, notwithstanding the great 
majority against him. The change of .one vote 
from the 72ot guilty side would have sustained the 
impeachment. 

The President, for the remainder of his term, 
was but little regarded. He continued, though 
impoteutly, his conflict with Congress. His own 
party did not think it expedient to renominate 
him for the Presidency. The Nation rallied with- 
enthusiasm, unparalleled since the days of Wash- 
ington, around the name of Gen. Grant. Andrew 
Johnson was forgotten. The bullet of the assassin 
introduced him to the President's chair. Not- 
withstanding this, never was there presented to a 
man a better opportunity to immortalize his name, 
and to win the gratitude of a nation. He failed 
utterly. He retired to his home in Greenville, 
Tenn., taking no very active part in politics until 
1875. On Jamiary 26, after an exciting .struggle, 
he was chosen by the Legislature of Tennessee 
United States Senator in the Forty-fourth Congess, 
and took his seat in that body, at the special ses- 
sion convened by President Grant, on the 5th of 
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-Presi- 
dent made a visit to his daughter's home, near 
Carter Station, Tenn. When he started on his 
journey, he was apparently in his usual vigorous 
health, but on reaching the residence of his child 
the following day, he was stricken with paralysis, 
which rendered him uncon.scious. He rallied oc- 
casionally, but finally passed away at 2 A. m., 
July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His funeral was 
held at Greenville, on the 3d of August, with 
everj- demonstration of respect. 




Ul-VSSliS S. GRANT. 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 



HLYSSKS S. GRANT, the eighteenth Presi- 
dent of the United States, was born on the 
29th of April, 1822, of Christian parents, in 
a humble home at Point Pleasant, on the banks 
of the Ohio. Shortly after, his father moved to 
Georgetown, Brown Count}', Ohio. In this re- 
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses received a common- 
school education. At the age of seventeen, in 
the year 1839, he entered the Military Academy 
at West Point. Here he was regarded as a solid, 
sensible young man, of fair ability, and of sturdy, 
hone.st character. He took respectable rank as a 
scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated about the 
middle in his class, and was sent as Lieutenant of 
Infantry to one of the distant military posts in the 
Missouri Territory. Two years he passed in these 
dreary solitudes, watching the vagabond Indians. 

The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was 
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His 
first battle was at Palo Alto. There was no 
chance here for the exhibition of either skill or 
heroism, nor at Resaca de la Palma, his second 
battle. At the battle of Monterey, his third en- 
gagement, it is said that he performed a signal 
service of daring and skillful horsemanship. 

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant 
returned with his regiment to New York, and 
was again sent to one of the militars- posts on the 
frontier. The dLscoverj- of gold in California 
causing an immense tide of emigration to flow to 
the Pacific shores, Capt. Grant was sent with a 
battalion to Ft. Dallas, in Oregon, for the protec- 
tion of the interests of the immigrants. But life 
was wearisome in those wilds, and he resigned 
his commission and returned to the States. Hav- 
ing married, he entered upon the cultivation of a 
small farai near St. Louis, Mo., but having little 



skill as a farmer, and finding his toil not re- 
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering 
into the leather business, with a younger brother 
at Galena, 111. This was in the year i860. As 
the tidings of the rebels firing on Ft. Sumter 
reached the ears of Capt. Grant in his counting- 
room, he said: "Uncle Sam has educated me 
for the army; though I have served him through 
one war, I do not feel that I have yet repaid the 
debt. I am still ready to discharge my obliga- 
tions. I shall therefore buckle on my sword and 
see Uncle Sam through this war too." 

He went into the streets, raised a company of 
volunteers, and led them as their Captain to 
Springfield, the capital of the State, where their 
services were offered to Gov. Yates. The Gov- 
ernor, impres.sed by the zeal and straightforward 
executive ability of Capt. Grant, gave him a desk 
in his office to a.ssi.st in the volunteer organiza- 
tion that was being fonned in the State in behalf 
of the Government. On the 15th of June, 1861, 
Capt. Grant received a commission as Colonel of 
the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. 
His merits as a West Point graduate, who had 
served for fifteen years in the regular army, were 
such that he was soon promoted to the rank of 
Brigadier- General, and was placed in command at 
Cairo. The rebels rai.sed their banner at Padu- 
cah, near the mouth of the Tennessee River. 
Scarcely had its folds appeared in the breeze ere 
Gen. Grant was there. The rebels fled, their 
banner fell, and the Stars and Stripes were un- 
furled in its stead. 

He entered the service with great determina- 
tion and immediately began active duty. This 
was the beginning, and until the surrender of 
Lee at Richmond he was ever pushing th? enemy 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 



with great vigor and effectiveness. At Belmont, 
a few da3's later, he surprised and routed the 
rebels, then at Ft. Henry won another victory. 
Then came the brilliant fight at Ft. Donelson. 
The nation was electrified by the victory, and the 
brave leader of the boys in blue was immediately 
made a Major-General, and the military district 
of Tennessee was assigned to him. 

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well 
how to secure the results of victorj-. He imme- 
diately pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then 
came the terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, 
Corinth, and the siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. 
Pemberton made an unconditional surrender of 
the city with over thirty thousand men and one 
hundred and sevent>--two cannon. The fall of 
Vicksburg was by far the most severe blow which 
the rebels had thus far encountered, and opened 
up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. 

Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with 
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- 
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown 
from his horse, and received severe injuries, from 
which he was laid up for months. He then 
rushed to the aid of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas 
at Chattanooga, and by a wonderful series of 
strategic and technical measures put the Union 
army in fighting condition. Then followed the 
bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout Moun- 
tain and Missionar\- Ridge, in which the rebels 
were routed with great Io.ss. This won for him 
unbounded praise in the North. On the 4th of 
Febniary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of 
lieutenant-general, and the rank was conferred 
on Gen. Grant. He repaired to Washington to 
receive his credentials and enter upon the duties 
of his new office. 

Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge 
of the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed 
National troops for an attack upon Richmond, 
the nominal capital of the rebellion, and endeavor 
there to destroy the rebel armies which would be 
promptly a.ssenibled from all quarters for its de- 
fense. The whole continent seemed to tremble 
under the tramp of these majestic armies, rushing 
to the decisive battle-field. Steamers were crowd- 
ed with troops. Railway trains were burdened 



with closely-packed thousands. His plans were 
comprehensive, and involved a series of cam- 
paigns, which were executed with remarkable 
energy and ability, and were consummated at the 
surrender of Lee, April 9, 1865. 

The w'ar was ended. The Union was saved. 
The almost unanimous voice of the nation de- 
clared Gen. Grant to be the most prominent in- 
strument in its salvation. The eminent ser\nces 
he had thus rendered the countn,- brought him 
conspicuously forward as the Republican candi- 
date for the Presidential chair. 

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago, 
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated 
for the Presidency, and at the autumn election 
received a majority of the popular vote, and two 
hundred and fourteen out of two hundred and 
ninet>'-four electoral votes. 

The National Convention of the Republican 
party, which met at Philadelphia on the 5th 01 
June, 1872, placed Gen. Grant in nomination for 
a second term by a unanimous vote. The selec- 
tion was emphatically indorsed by the people five 
months later, two hundred and ninety-two elect- 
oral votes being cast for him. 

Soon after the close of his second term. Gen. 
Grant started upon his famous trip around the 
world. He visited almost every country of the 
civilized world, and was everj-where received 
with such ovations and demonstrations of resf)ect 
and honor, private as well as public and official, 
as were never before bestowed upon any citizen 
of the United States. 

He was the most prominent candidate before 
the Republican National Convention in 1880 for 
a renomination for President. He went to New 
York and embarked in the brokerage business 
under the firm name of Grant & Ward. The 
latter proved a villain, wrecked Grant's fortune, 
and for larceny was sent to the pcnitentiarj-. 
The General was attacked with cancer in the 
throat, but suffered in his stoic-like manner, never 
complaining. He was re-instated as General of 
the Army, and retired by Congress. The cancer 
soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 1885, 
the nation went in niouniing over the death 01 
the illustrious General. 





L 



RfTHKRFORD B. HAYES. 



RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 



r^UTHERFORD B. HAYES, the nineteenth 
1^ President of the United States, was born in 
p\ Delaware, Ohio, October 4, 1822, ahuost 
three months after the death of his father, Ruther- 
ford Hayes. His ancestry on both the paternal and 
maternal sides was of the most honorable char- 
acter. It can be traced, it is said, as far back as 
1280, when Hayes and Rutherford were two 
Scottish chieftains, fighting side by side with 
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Both 
families belonged to the nobility, owned extensive 
estates, and had a large following. Misfortune 
overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scotland 
in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son 
George was born in Windsor, and remained there 
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, 
married Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of 
his marriage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. 
Ezekiel, son of Daniel, was bom in 1724, and was 
a manufacturer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. 
Rutherford Hayes, son of Ezekiel and grandfather 
of President Hayes, was born in New Haven, in 
August, 1756. He was a farmer, blacksmith and 
tavern-keeper. He emigrated to Vermont at an 
unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, where he 
established a hotel. Here his son, Rutherford 
Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was bom. 
He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia 
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors 
emigrated thither from Connecticut, they having 
been among the wealthiest and best families of 
Norwich. Her aTicestr\' on the male side is 
traced back to 1635, to John Birchard, one of the 
principal founders of Norwich. Both of her grand- 
fathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. 

The father of President Hayes was an industri- 
ous, frugal, yet open-hearted man. He was of a 



mechanical turn of mind, and could mend a plow, 
knit a stocking, or do almost anything else that 
he chose to undertake. He was a member of the 
church, active in all the benevolent enterprises 
of the town, and conducted his business on Chris- 
tian principles. After the close of the War of 
1 81 2, for reasons inexplicable to his neighbors, he 
resolved to emigrate to Ohio. 

The journey from Venuont to Ohio in that day, 
when there were no canals, steamers, or rail- 
ways, was a very serious affair. A tour of in- 
spection was first made, occupying four months. 
Mr. Hayes decided to move to Delaware, where 
the family arrived in 181 7. He died July 22, 
1822, a victim of malarial fever, less than three 
months before the birth of the son of whom we 
write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore bereavement, 
found the support she so much needed in her 
brother, Sardis, who had been a member of the 
household from the day of its departure from 
Vermont, and in an orphan girl, whom she had 
adopted some time before as an act of charity. 

Rutherford was seven years old before he went 
to school. His education, however, was not neg- 
lected. He probably learned as much from his 
mother and sister as he would have done at 
school. His sports were almost wholly within 
doors, his playmates being his sister and her asso- 
ciates. These circumstances tended, no doubt, to 
foster that gentleness of disposition and that del- 
icate consideration for the feelings of others which 
were marked traits of his character. 

His uncle, Sardis Birchard, took the deepest 
interest in his education; and as the boy's health 
had improved, and he was making good progress 
in his studies, he proposed to send him to college. 
His preparation commenced with a tutor at home; 



92 



RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 



but he was afterwards sent for one year to a pro- 
fessor in the Wesleyan University in Middletown, 
Conn. He entered Keuyon College in 1838, at 
the age of sixteen, and was graduated at the head 
of his class in 1842. 

Immediately after his graduation he began the 
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, 
Esq., in Columbus. Finding his opportunities 
for studj- in Columbus somewhat limited, he de- 
termined to enter the Law School at Cambridge, 
Mass., where he remained two years. 

In 1845, after graduating at the Law School, he 
was admitted to the Bar at Marietta, Ohio, and 
shortly afterward went into practice as an at- 
torney-at-law with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fre- 
mont. Here he remained three years, acquiring 
but a limited practice, and apparently unambitious 
of distinction in his profession. 

In 1849 ^^^ moved to Cincinnati, where his am- 
bition found a new stimulus. For several years, 
however, his progress was slow. Two events 
occurring at this period had a powerful influence 
upon his subsequent life. One of these was his 
marriage with Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daughter 
of Dr. James Webb, of Chillicothe; the other was 
his introduction to the Cincinnati Literary Club, 
a body embracing among its members such men 
as Chief Ju.stice Salmon P. Chase, Gen. John 
Pope, Go\-. Edward F. Noyes, and man^' others 
hardly less distinguished in after life. The mar- 
riage was a fortunate one in everj- respect, as 
everj'bodj- knows. Not one of all the wives of 
our Presidents was more universally admired, 
reverenced and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and 
no one did more than she to reflect honor upon 
American womanhood. The LiteraryClub brought 
Mr. Hayes into constant association with young 
men of high character and noble aims, and lured 
him to display the qualities so long hidden by his 
bashfulness and modesty. 

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge 
of the Court of Conunon Pleas, but he declined to 
accept the nomination. Two years later, the of- 
fice of City Solicitor becoming vacant, the City 
Council elected him for the unexpired term. 

In 1861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was 
at the zenith of his professional life. His rank at 



the Bar was among the first. But the news of 
the attack on Ft. Sumter found him eager to 
take up arms for the defense of his country. 

His military record was bright and illustrious. 
In October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel, and in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of 
the Seventy-ninth Ohio Regiment, but he refused 
to leave his old comrades and go among strangers. 
Subsequently, however, he was made Colonel of 
his old regiment At the battle of South Moun- 
tain he received a wound, and while faint and 
bleeding displayed courage and fortitude that 
won admiration from all. 

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, 
after his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, 
and placed in command of the celebrated Kanawha 
divi.sion, and for gallant and meritorious services 
in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and 
Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General. 
He was also breveted Major-General, "for gallant 
and distinguished services during the campaigns 
of 1864, in West Virginia." In the course of his 
arduous sen-ices, four horses were shot from un- 
der him, and he was wounded four times. 

In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress 
from the Second Ohio District, which had long 
been Democratic. He was not present during the 
campaign, and after the election was importuned 
to resign his commission in the army; but he fi- 
nally declared, " I shall never come to Washing- 
ton initil I can come by way of Richmond." He 
was re-elected in 1866. 

In 1867, Gen. Hayes was elected Governor of 
Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular 
Democrat, and in 1869 was re-elected over George 
H. Pendleton. He was elected Governor for the 
third term in 1875. 

In 1876 he was the standard-bearer of the Re- 
publican party in the Presidential contest, and 
after a hard, long contest was chosen President, 
and was inaugurated Monday, March 5, 1877. 
He sen-ed his full term, not, however, with satis- 
faction to his party, but his administration was an 
average one. The remaining years of his life 
were passed (juietly in his Ohio home, where he 
passed away January 17, 1893. 







^^^^H 


i 



JAMES A. GARl'IKLD. 



JAMES A. GARFIELD. 



(Tames a. GARFIELD, twentieth President 
I of the United States, was born November 19, 
C2/ 1 83 1, in the woods of Orange, Cujahoga 
County, Ohio. His parents were Abram and 
EHza (Ballon; Garfield, both of New England 
ancestry, and from families well known in the 
early history of that section of our country, but 
who had moved to the Western Reserve, in Ohio, 
early in its settlement. 

The house in which James A. was born was 
not unlike the houses of poor Ohio farmers of 
that day. It was about 20 x 30 feet, built of logs, 
with the spaces between the logs filled with clay. 
His father was a hard-working farmer, and he 
soon had his fields cleared, an orchard planted, 
and a log barn built. The household comprised 
the father and mother and their four children, 
Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and James. In May, 
1823, the father died from a cold contracted in 
helping to put out a forest fire. At this time 
James was about eighteen months old, and 
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, 
can tell how much James was indebted to liis 
brother's toil and self-.sacrifice during the twenty 
years succeeding his father's death. He now 
lives in Michigan, and the two sisters live in Solon, 
Ohio, near their birthplace. 

The early educational advantages young Gar- 
field enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the 
most of them. He labored at farm work for 
others, did carpenter work, chopped wood, or did 
anything that would bring in a few dollars to aid 
his widowed mother in her struggles to keep the 
little family together. Nor was Gen. Garfield 
ever ashamed of his origin, and he never forgot 
the friends of his struggling childhood, youth and 
manhood; neither did they ever forget him. 
When in the highest seats of honor, the humblest 
friend of his boyhood was as kindly greeted as 
ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the sym- 
pathy of one who had known all the bitterness of 



want and the sweetness of bread earned by the 
sweat of the brow. He was ever tlie simple, 
plain, modest gentleman. 

The highest ambition of yoiuig Garfield until 
he was about sixteen years old was to be cap- 
tain of a vessel on Lake Erie. He was an.xious 
to go aboard a ves.sel, but this his mother strongly 
opposed. She finally consented to his going to 
Cleveland, with the understanding, however, that 
he should try to obtain some other kind of em- 
ployment. He walked all the way to Cleveland. 
This was his first visit to the city. After making 
many applications for work, and trying to get 
aboard a lake vessel and not meeting with suc- 
cess, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos 
Eetcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. 
He remained at this work but a short time, when 
he went home, and attended the seminary at 
Chester for about three years. He then entered 
Hiram and the Eclectic Institute, teaching a few 
terms of school in the mean time, and doing other 
work. This school was started by the Disciples 
of Christ in 1850, of which body he was then a 
member. He became janitor and bell-ringer in 
order to help pay his way. He then became both 
teacher and pupil. Soon " exhausting Hiram," 
and needing a higher education, in the fall of 1854 
he entered Williams College, from which he grad- 
uated in 1856, taking one of the highest honors of 
his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram Col- 
lege as its President. As above stated, he early 
united with the Christian, or Di.sciples, Church at 
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous 
member, often preaching in its pulpit and places 
where he happened to be. 

Mr. Garfield was united in mai^riage, Novem- 
ber II, 1858, with Miss Lucretia Rudolph, who 
proved herself worthy as the wife of one whom 
all the world loved. To them were born seven 
children, five of whom are still living, four boys 
and one girl. 



96 



JAMES A. GARFIELD. 



Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 
1856, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and 
three years later he began to speak at county 
mass-meetings, and became the favorite speaker 
wherever he was. During this year he was 
elected to the Ohio Senate. He also began to 
study law at Cleveland, and in 1861 was admitted 
to the Bar. The great Rebellion broke out in the 
early part of this year, and Mr. Garfield at once 
resolved to fight as he had talked, and enlisted to 
defend the Old Flag. He received his commission 
as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Forty-second Regi- 
ment of Ohio Infantry August 14, 1861. He 
was immediatelj' put into active service, and be- 
fore he had ever seen a gun fired in action, was 
placed in command of four regiments of infantry 
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the 
work of driving out of his native State the able 
rebel officer, Humphrey Marshall, of Kentucky. 
This work was bravely and speedily accomplished, 
although against great odds, and President Lin- 
coln commissioned him Brigadier-General, Jami- 
ar>' ID, 1862; and "as he had bee.i the youngest 
man in the Ohio Senate two years before, so now 
he was the younge-st General in the army." He 
was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, in its 
operations around Corinth and its march through 
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of 
the general court martial for the trial of Gen. 
Fitz-John Porter. He w'as next ordered to re- 
port to Gen. Rosecrans, and was as.signed to the 
"Chief of Staff." The military history of Gen. 
Garfield clo.sed with his brilliant services at Chick- 
amauga, where he won the rank of Major-General. 

Without an effort on his part. Gen. Garfield 
was elected to Congress in the fall of 1862, from 
the Nineteenth Di.strict of Ohio. This section of 
Ohio had been represented in Congress for sixty 
years mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and 
Joshua R. Giddings. It was not without a strug- 
gle that he resigned his place in the army. At 
the time he entered Congress he was the youngest 
member in that body. There he remained by 
successive re-elections until he was elected Presi- 
dent, in 1880. Of his labors in Congress, Senator 
Hoar says: "Since the year 1864 you cannot 
think of a question which has been debated in 



Congress, or discussed before a tribunal of the 
American people, in regard to which you will not 
find, if you wish instruction, the argument on 
one side stated, in almost every instance better 
than by anybody else, in some sptech made in 
the House of Representatives or on the hustings 
by Mr. Garfield." 

Upon January 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elect- 
ed to the United States Senate, and on the 8th of 
June, of the same year, was nominated as the 
candidate of his party for President at the great 
Chicago Convention. He was elected in the fol- 
lowing November, and on March 4, 1881, was 
inaugurated. Probably no administration ever 
opened its existence inider brighter auspices than 
that of President Garfield, and every day it grew 
in favor with the people. By the i.st of July 
he had completed all the initiatory and prelimi- 
nary wortc of his administration, and was prepar- 
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Will- 
iams College. While on his way and at the 
depot, in company with Secretary Blaine, a man 
stepped behind him, drew a revolver, and fired 
directly at his back. The President tottered and 
fell, and as he did so the assassin fired a second 
shot, the bullet cutting the left coat sleeve of his 
victim, but inflicting no further injury. It has 
been very truthfully said that this was " the shot 
that was heard around the world." Never before 
in the history of the nation had anything occur- 
red which so nearly froze the blood of the people 
for the moment as this awful deed. He was 
smitten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his 
life, at the summit of his power and hope. For 
eighty days, all during the hot months of July 
and August, he lingered and suffered. He, how- 
ever, remained master of himself till the last, and 
by his magnificent bearing taught the country 
and the world one of the noblest of human les- 
sons — how to live grandly in the very clutch of 
death. Great in life, he was surpassingly great 
in death. He passed .sereneh- awa>- Sej^tember 
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the ver>- bank of 
the ocean, where he had l)een taken shortly be- 
fore. The world wept at his death, as it rarely 
ever had done on the death of any other great 
and noble man. 




CIIKSTHR A. AKTHtR 



CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 



E HESTER A. ARTHUR, twenty-first Presi- 
dent of the United States, was born in Frank- 
lin County, Vt., on the 5th day of October, 
1830, and was the eldest of a family of two sons 
and five daughters. His father was the Rev. Dr. 
William Arthur, a Baptist clergyman, who emi- 
grated to this country from County Antrim, Ire- 
land, in his eighteenth year, and died in 1875, in 
Newtonville, near Albany, after a long and sue 
cessful ministry. 

Young Arthur was educated at Union College, 
Schenectady, where he excelled in all his studies. 
After his graduation he taught school in Ver- 
mont for two years, and at the expiration of that 
time came to New York, with $500 in his pocket, 
and entered the office of ex -Judge E. D. Culver 
as a student. After being admitted to the Bar, he 
formed a partnership with his intimate friend and 
room-mate, Henry D. Gardiner, with the inten- 
tion of practicing in the West, and for three 
months they roamed about in the Western States 
in search of an eligible site, but in the end re- 
turned to New York, where they hung out their 
shingle, and entered upon a successful career al- 
most from the start. Gen. Arthur soon after mar- 
ried the daughter of Lieut. Herndon, of the 
United States Navy, who was lost at sea. Con- 
gress voted a gold medal to his widow in recog- 
nition of the bravery he displayed on that occa- 
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. 
Arthur's nomination to the Vice-Presidency, leav- 
ing two children. 

Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celeb- 
rity in his first great case, the famous Lemnion 
suit, brought to recover possession of eight slaves 
who had been declared free by Judge Paine, of 
the Superior Court of New York City. It was in 



1852 that Jonathan Uemmon, of Virginia, went 10 
New York with his slaves, intending to ship them 
to Texas, when they were discovered and freed. 
The Judge decided that they could not be held by 
the owner under the Fugitive Slave Law. A howl 
of rage went up from the South, and the Virginia 
Legislature authorized the Attorney-General of 
that State to assist in an appeal. William M. 
Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed to 
represent the people, and they won their case, 
which then went to the Supreme Court of the 
United States. Charles O' Conor here espoused 
the cause of the slaveholders, but he, too, was 
beaten by Messrs. Evarts and Arthur, and a long 
step was taken toward the emancipation of the 
black race. 

Another great service was rendered by Gen. 
Arthur in the same cause in 1S56. Lizzie Jen- 
nings, a respectable colored woman, was put off 
a Fourth Avenue car with violence after she had 
paid her fare. Gen. Arthur sued on her behalf, 
and secured a verdict of $500 damages. The next 
day the company issued an order to admit colored 
persons to ride on their cars, and the other car 
companies quickly followed their example. Be- 
fore that the Sixth Avenue Company ran a few 
special cars for colored persons, and the other lines 
refused to let them ride at all. 

Gen. Arthur was a delegate to the convention 
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. 
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of 
the Second Brigade of the State of New York, 
and Gov. Morgan, of that State, appointed him 
Engineer-in-Chief of his .staff. In 1861, he was 
made Inspector- General, and soon afterward be- 
came Quartermaster-General. In each of these 
ofl&ces he rendered great service to the Govern- 



CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 



inent during the war. At the end of Gov. Mor- 
gan's term he resumed the practice of law, form- 
ing a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and then 
.Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney of New York, 
ivas added to the firm. The legal practice of this 
ivell-known firm was verj- large and lucrative, 
IS each of the gentlemen composing it was an able 
lawyer, and pos.sessed a splendid local reputa- 
tion, if not, indeed, one of national extent. 

Mr. Arthur always took a leading part in State 
and city politics. He was appointed Collector of 
the Port of New York by President Grant, No- 
vember 21, 1872, to succeed Thomas Murphy, 
and he held the office until July 20, 1878, when 
he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. 

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential 
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the 
famous National Republican Convention held at 
Chicago in June, 1880. This was perhaps the 
greatest political convention that ever assembled 
on the continent. It was composed of the lead- 
ing politicians of the Republican party, all able 
men, and each .stood finn and fought vigorou.sly 
Rud with signal tenacity for his respective can- 
didate that was before the convention for the 
domination. Finally Gen. Garfield received the 
•loniination for President, and Gen. Arthur for 
V'ice- President. The campaign which followed 
was one of the mo.st animated known in the his- 
tory of our country. Gen. Hancock, the stand- 
ard-bearer of the Democratic party, was a popular 
man, and his party made a valiant fight for his 
election. 

Finall\- the election came, and the country's 
choice was Garfield and Arthur. They were in- 
augurated March 4, 1881, as President and Vice- 
President. A few months only had passed ere 
the newly-cho-sen President was the victim of the 
assassin's bullet. Then came terrible weeks of 
suffering — those moments of an.xious suspen.se, 
when the hearts of all civilized nations were 
throbbing in unison, longing for the recovery of 
the noble, the good President. The remarkable 
patience that he manifested during tho.se hours 
iiiid weeks, and even months, of the most terrible 
suffering man has ever been called upon to en- 
dure, was seemingly more than human. It was 



certainly godlike. During all this period of 
deepest anxiety Mr. Arthur's every move was 
watched, and, be it said to his credit, that his every 
action displayed only an earnest desire that the 
suffering Garfield might recover to .serve the re- 
mainder of the term he had so auspiciously be- 
gun. Not a selfish feeling was manife.sted in 
deed or look of this man, even though the most 
honored position in the world was at any moment 
likely to fall to him. 

At last God in his merc)' relieved President 
Garfield from further suffering, and the world, as 
never before in its history over the death of any 
other man, wept at his bier. Then it became the 
duty of the \' ice- President to assume the respon- 
sibilities of the high office, and he took the oath 
in New York, September 20, 1881. The position 
was an embarra-ssing one to him, made doublj' so 
from the fact that all eyes were on him, anxious 
to know what he wotild do, what policy he would 
pursue, and whom he would select as ad\-isers. 
The duties of the office had been greatly neglected 
during the President's long illness, and manj- im- 
portant measures were to be inmiediately decided 
by him; and to still further embara.ss him he did 
not fail to realize under what circum.stances he 
became President, and knew the feelings of many 
on this point. Under these trying circumstances. 
President Arthur took the reins of the Govern- 
ment in his own hands, and, as embarra.ssing as 
was the condition of affairs, he happily surprised 
the nation, acting .so wi.scly that but few criticized 
his administration. He ser\-ed the nation well 
and faithfully until the clo.se of his admini.stra- 
tion, March 4, 1885, and was a popular candidate 
before his party for a .second term. His name 
was ably presented before the convention at Chi- 
cago, and was received with great favor, and 
doubtless but for the personal popularity of one 
of the opposing candidates, he would have been 
selected as the .standard-bearer of his party for 
another campaign. He retired to private life, car- 
rying with him the be.st wishes of the American 
people, whom he had ser\-ed in a manner .satisfac- 
tory to them and with credit to himself. One 
year later he was called to his final rest. 




frROVHR CMiVELAND. 



STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND. 



(pTEPHHN GROVER CLEVELAND, the 
/\ twenty -second President of the United States, 
\~J was born in 1837, in the obscure town of 
Caldwell, Essex County, N. J., and in a little 
two-and-a-lialf-story white house, which is still 
standing to characteristically mark the huinhle I 
birthplace of one of America's great men, in 
striking contrast with the Old World, where all 
men high in office must be high in origin and 
born in the cradle of wealth. When the subject 
of this sketch was three years of age, his father, 
who was a Presbyterian minister with a large 
family and a small salary, moved, by way of the 
Hudson River and Erie Canal, to Fayetteville, N. 
v., in search of an increased income and a larger 
field of work. Fayetteville was then the most 
straggling of country villages, about five miles 
from Porapey Hill, where Governor Seymour 
was born. 

At the last-mentioned place young Grover com- 
menced going to school in the good, old-fashioned 
way, and presumably distinguished himself after 
the manner of all village boy,s — in doing the 
things he ought not to do. Such is the dis- 
tinguishing trait of all geniuses and independent 
thinkers. When he arrived at the age of four- 
teen years, he had outgrown the capacitj- of the 
village school, and expressed a most emphatic de- 
sire to be sent to an academy. To this his fa- 
ther decidedly objected. Academies in those 
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him 
to become self-supporting by the quickest pos- 
sible means, and this at that time in Fayetteville 
seemed to be a position in a countn,' store, where 
his father and the large family on his hands had 



considerable influence. Grover was to be paid 
$50 for his services the first year, and if he proved 
trustworthy he was to receive $100 the second 
year. Here the lad commenced his career as 
salesman, and in two years he had earned .so good 
a reputation for trustworthiness that his employ- 
ers desired to retain him for an indefinite length 
of time. 

But instead of remaining with this firm in 
Fayetteville, he went with the family in their re- 
moval to Clinton, where he had an opportunity 
of attending a High School. Here he industri- 
ously pursued his studies until the family re- 
moved with him to a point on Black River known 
as the "Holland Patent," a village of five or six 
hundred people, fifteen miles north of Utica, N. Y. 
At this place his father died, after preaching but 
three Sundays. This event broke up the family, 
and Grover set out for New York City to accept, 
at a small salary, the position of under-teacher 
in an asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully 
for two years, and although he obtained a good 
reputation in this capacity, he concluded that 
teaching was not his calling in life, and, revers- 
ing the traditional order, he left the city to seek 
his fortune, in.stead of going to the city. He first 
thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as there was some 
charm in that name for him; but before proceed- 
ing to that place he went to Buffalo to ask advice 
of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted stock- 
breeder of that place. The latter did not speak 
enthusiastically. "What is it you want to do, 
my boy?" he asked. "Well, .sir, I want to study 
law," was the reply "Good gracious!" remarked 
the old gentleman; " do you, indeed? Whatever 



I04 



STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND. 



put that into jour head ? How much money 
have you got?" "Well, sir, to tell the tnith, I 
haven't got any." 

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him 
a place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at 
$50 a year, while he could look around. One 
day soon afterward he boldly walked into the of- 
fice of Rogers, Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and 
told them what he wanted. A number of young 
men were already engaged in the office, but Gro- 
ver's persistency won, and he was finally per- 
mitted to come as an office boy and have the use 
of the law library, receiving as wages the sum of 
$3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for his 
board and washing. The walk to and from his 
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and although 
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his 
shoes were out of repair, and as for his overcoat he 
had none; yet he was, nevertheless, prompt and 
regular. On the first day of his service there, his 
senior employer threw down a copy of Black- 
stone before him, with a bang that made the dust 
fly, saying "That's where they all begin." A 
titter ran around the little circle of clerks and 
students, as they thought that was enough to 
scare young Grover out of his plans; but in due 
time he mastered that cumbersome volume. 
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleve- 
land exhibited a talent for executiveness rather 
than for chasing principles through all their 
metaphysical possibilities. "Let us quit talking 
and go and do it, ' ' was practically his motto. 

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland 
was elected was that of Sheriff of Erie County, 
N. Y., in which Bufifalo is situated; and in such 
capacity it fell to his duty to inflict capital punish- 
ment upon two criminals. In 1881 he was 
elected Mayor of the City of Buffalo, on the 
Democratic ticket, with especial reference to bring- 
ing about certain reforms in the administration 
of the municipal afifairs of that city. In this of- 
fice, as well as in that of Sheriff, his performance 
of duty has generally been considered fair, with 
possibly a few exceptions, which were ferreted 
out and magnified during his Presidential cam- 
paign. As a specimen of his plain language in 
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an 



iniquitous street-cleaning contract: "This is a 
time for plain speech, and my objection to your 
action shall be plainly stated. I regard it as the 
culmination of a mo.st bare-faced, impudent and 
shameless scheme to betraj- the interests of the 
people and to worse than squander the people's 
money." The New York Siai afterward very 
highly commended Mr. Cleveland's administra- 
tion as Mayor of Buffalo, and thereupon recom- 
mended him for Governor of the Empire State. 
To the latter office he was elected in 1882, and 
his administration of the affairs of State was 
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, 
if any, were made very public throughout the na- 
tion after he was nominated for President of the 
United States. For this high office he was 
nominated July 11, 1884, by the National Demo- 
cratic Convention at Chicago, when other com- 
petitors were Thomas F. Bayard, Roswell P, 
F'lower, Thomas A. Hendricks, Benjamin F. 
Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he was 
elected by the people, by a majority of about a 
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Re- 
publican statesman, James G. Blaine. President 
Cleveland resigned his office as Governor of New 
York in Januarj', 1885, in order to prepare for 
his duties as the Chief Executive of the United 
States, in which capacity his term commenced at 
noon on the 4th of March, 1885. 

The silver question precipitated a controversy 
between those who were in favor of the continu- 
ance of silver coinage and those who were op- 
posed, Mr. Cleveland answering for the latter, 
even before his inauguration. 

On June 2, 1886, President Cleveland married 
Frances, daughter of his deceased friend and part- 
ner, Oscar Folsom, of the Buffalo Bar. Their 
union has been blessed by the birth of two daugh- 
ters. In the campaign of 1888, President Cleve- 
land was renominated by his party, but the 
Republican candidate, Gen. Benjamin Harrison, 
was victorious. In the nominations of 1892 
these two candidates for the highest position in 
the gift of the people were again pitted against 
e ah other, and in the ensuing election President 
Cleveland was victorious by an over^vhelming 
majority. 




Iii;NJ A M I X II ARKISf )N . 



BENJAMIN HARRISON. 



gENJAMIN HARRISON, the twenty-third 
President, is the descendant of one of the 
historical families of this country. The first 
known head of the family was Maj.-Gen. Harrison, 
one of Oliver Cromwell's trusted followers and 
fighters. In the zenith of Cromwell's power it be- 
came the duty of this Harrison to participate in 
the trial of Charles I., and afterward to sign the 
death warrant of the king. He subsequently 
paid for this with his life, being hung October 13, 
1660. His descendants came to America, and 
the next of the family that appears in history is 
Benjamin Harrison, of Mrginia, great-grandfa- 
ther of the subject of this sketch, and after whom 
he was named. Benjamin Harrison was a mem- 
ber of the Continental Congress during the years 
1774, 1775 and 1776, and was one of the original 
.signers of the Declaration of Independence. He 
Was three times elected Governor of Virginia. 

Gen. William Henr>- Harrison, the son of the 
distingui-shed patriot of the Revolution, after a 
successful career as a soldier during the War of 
18 12, and with a clean record as Governor of the 
Northwestern Territory, was elected President of 
the United States in 1840. His career was cut 
short by death within one month after his in- 
auguration. 

President Harrison was born at North Bend, 



Hamilton County, Ohio, August 20, 1833. His 
life up to the time of his graduation from Miami 
University, at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful 
one of a country lad of a family of small means. 
His father was able to give him a good education, 
and nothing more. He became engaged while at 
college to the daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of 
a female school at Oxford. After graduating, he 
determined to enter upon the study of law. He 
went to Cincinnati and there read law for two 
years. At the expiration of that time young Har- 
rison received the only inheritance of his life — his 
aunt, dying, left him a lot valued at $800. He 
regarded this legacy as a fortune, and decided to 
get married at once, take this money and go to 
some Eastern town and begin the practice of law. 
He sold his lot, and, with the money in his pocket, 
he started out with his young wife to fight for a 
place in the world. He decided to go to Indian- 
apolis, which was even at that time a town of 
promise. He met with slight encouragement at 
first, making .scarcely anything the first year. 
He worked diligently, applying himself closely to 
his calling, built up an extensi\'e practice and 
took a leading rank in the legal profession. 

In i860, Mr. Harrison was nominated for the 
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be 
gan his experience as a stump speaker. He can 



to8 



BENJAMIN HARRISON. 



vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by 
J handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the 
Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its 
Colonel. His regiment was composed of the raw- 
est material, but Col. Harrison employed all his 
time at first in mastering military- tactics and drill- 
ing his men, and when he came to move toward 
the Ea.st with Sherman, his regiment was one of 
the best drilled and organized in the army. At 
Resaca he especially distinguished himself, and 
{'or his bravery at Peachtree Creek he was made 
a Brigadier- General, Gen. Hooker speaking of 
him in the most complimentary terms. 

During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the 
field, the Supreme Court declared the office of 
Supreme Court Reporter vacant, and another 
person was elected to the position. From the 
time of leaving Indiana with his regiment until 
the fall of 1 864 he had taken no leave of absence, 
but having been nominated that year for the same 
office, he got a thirty-day leave of absence, and 
during that time made a brilliant canvass of the 
State, and was elected for another term. He then 
started to rejoin Sherman, but on the way was 
stricken down with scarlet fever, and after a most 
trying attack made his way to the front in time to 
participate in the closing incidents of the war. 

In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined a re-election 
as Reporter, and resumed the practice of law. In 
1876 he was a candidate for Governor. Although 
defeated, the brilliant campaign he made won for 
him a national reputation, and he was much .sought 
after, e.specially in the East, to make speeches. 
In 1880, as usual, he took an active part in the 
campaign, and was elected to the United States 
Senate. Here he ser\-ed for six years, and was 
known as one of the ablest men, be.st lawyers and 
strongest debaters in that body. With the ex- 
piration of his senatorial term he returned to the 
practice of his profession, becoming the head of 
one of the strongest firms in the State. 

The political campaign of 1888 was one of the 
most memorable in the history of our country. 
The convention which assembled in Chicago in 
June and named Mr. Harrison as the chief stmd- 
ard-bearer of the Republican party was great in 
every particular, and on t'iis aQCount, and the at- 



titude it assumed upon the vital questions of the 
day, chief among which was the tariff, awoke a 
deep interest in the campaign throughout the 
nation. Shortly after the nomination, delegations 
began to visit Mr. Harrison at Indianapolis, his 
home. This movement became popular, and from 
all sections of the country societies, clubs and 
delegations journeyed thither to pay their re- 
spects to the distinguished statesman. 

Mr. Harrison spoke dailj- all through the sum- 
mer and autumn to these visiting delegations, 
and so varied, masterlj-, and eloquent were his 
speeches that they at once placed him in the fore- 
most rank of American orators and statesmen. 
Elected by a handsome majority, he ser\-ed his 
country faithfully and well, and in 1892 was nom- 
inated for re-election: but the people demanded a 
change and he was defeated by his predecessor 
in office, Grover Cleveland. 

On account of his eloquence as a speaker and 
his power as a debater. Gen. Harrison was called 
upon at an early age to take part in the dis- 
cussion of the great questions that then began to 
agitate the country. He was an uncompromising 
anti-slaverj- man, and was matched against some 
of the most eminent Democratic speakers of his 
State. No man who felt the touch of his blade 
desired to be pitted with him again. With all 
his eloquence as an orator he never spoke for ora- 
torical effect, but his words always went like bul- 
lets to the mark. He is purely American in his 
ideas, and is a splendid type of the American 
statesman. Gifted with quick jjerception, a logi- 
cal mind and a ready tongue, he is one of the 
mo.st distinguished impromptu speakers in the 
nation. Many of these speeches sparkled with the 
rarest eloquence and contained arginnents of great 
weight, and many of his terse statements have 
already become aphorisms. Original in thought, 
precise in logic, terse in statement, yet withal 
faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as the 
sound statesman and brilliant orator of the day. 
During the last days of his administration Presi- 
dent Harrison suffered an irreparable loss in the 
death of his devoted wife, Caroline (vScott) Har- 
rison, a lady of many womanlx charms and vir- 
tues. They were the parents of two children, 




.tt> 








MARION AND 
HARDIN .... 
COUNTIES—^ 




^^^^O H I O^^^^^^ 







INTRODUQT^ORY. 






jHE time has arrived when it 
becomes the duty of the 
people of this county to per- 
petuate the names of their 
pioneers, to furnish a record 
of their early settlement, 
and relate the story of their 
progress. The civilization of our 
day, the enlightenment of the age 
and the duty that men of the pres- 
ent time owe to their ancestors, to 
themselves and to their posterity, 
demand that a record of their lives 
and deeds should be made. In bio- 
graphical history is found a power 
to instruct man by precedent, to 
enliven the mental faculties, and 
to waft down the river of time a 
safe vessel in which the names and actions of the 
people who contributed to raise this country from its 
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly 
the great and aged men, who in their prime entered 
the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their 
heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re- 
maining who can relate the incidents of the first days 
of settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an 
actual necessity exists for the collection and preser- 
vation of events without delay, before all the early 
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time. 

To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind 
from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough, 
m spite of their best works and the most earnest 
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of 
their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion 
and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor- 
tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed. 
Th? pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the 
names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu- 
mations made by the archeologists of Egypt from 
buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people 



to perpetuate the memory of their achievements. 
The erection of the great obelisks were for the same 
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the 
Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu- 
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle theii 
great achievements and carry them down the ages. 
It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling 
up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea — 
to leave something to show that they had lived. All 
these works, though many of them costly in the ex- 
treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and charac- 
ters of those whose memory they were intended to 
perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of 
the people that then lived. The great pyramids and 
some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity; 
the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum- 
bling into dust. 

It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli- 
gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating 
a full history — immutable in that it is almost un- 
limited in extent and perpetual in its action ; and 
this is through the art of printing. 

To the present generation, however, we are in- 
debted for the introduction of the admirable systero 
of local biography. By this system every man, thougV 
he has not achieved what the world calls greatness, 
has the means to perpetuate his life, his history, 
through the coming ages. 

The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the 
physical man is left. The monument which his chil- 
dren or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme. 
tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his 
life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished, 
which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated 
by a record of this kind. 

To preserve the lineaments of our companions we 
engrave their portraits, for the same reason we col- 
lect the actainable facts of their history. Nor do we 
think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to 
wait until they are dead, or until those who know 
them are gone: to do this we are ash.imed only to 
publish to the world the history of those whose live? 
are unworthy of public record. 




M'TIIKR M. STRONG. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 




I UTHER M. vSTRONG, M. C, was born 
I C near Tiffin, Seneca County, Ohio, June 23, 
l_y 1838. He is a son of Jesse and Sarah 
(Myers) Strong, both natives of Frederick Coun- 
ty, Md. His father came to Ohio first in 1814, 
but returned after a time to his native state, 
where, in 1827, he was married to Miss Sarah A. 
Myers. In 1830 he emigrated to Ohio and set- 
tled in the then forest of Seneca County, where 
he remained until his death, in 1S76. 

The subject of this sketch spent his youth upon 
his father's farm, depending upon the common 
schools and an academy for his education. At 
the age of nineteen he became a teacher during 
the winter months and a student at the academy 
during the spring and tall terms. At the break- 
ing out of the Rebellion he left his .school and 
raised Company G, of the Forty-ninth Ohio In- 
fantry, of which he became Captain. About the 
ist of September, 1861, the regiment proceeded 
to Kentucky, and was among the first to report 
for duty in that state. This regiment, with a few 
other troops, became the nucleus of what was 
afterward the Army of the Cumberland. Cap- 
tain Strong remained constantly at the front with 
his command during all the trying scenes through 
which that army passed, participating in the bat- 
tles of Shiloh, Lawrenceburg, Liberty Gap, Chick- 
amauga, Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge. At 
the battle of Chickamauga he was for a time in 
command of his regiment, and received special 
mention by his brigade and division commanders 



for coolness and gallantry. At the battle of Mis- 
sionary Ridge he was among the fir.st to reach the 
summit, and was promoted to be Major, in which 
capacity he took part in all the battles and almost 
continual skirmishes of the Atlanta Campaign, 
among which were the battles of Buzzard's Roost, 
Resaca, Picket's Mills, Kenesaw Mountain, At- 
lanta and Jonesborough. Soon after the fall of 
Atlanta he was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel, 
and became the senior officer and commander of 
his regiment. In that capacity he took part in 
the Hood campaign, participating in the battles 
of Columbia, Franklin and Nashville. At the 
bloody charge of Picket's Mills, May 27, 1864, 
Major Strong was shot in the right shoulder 
while leading his men, and when within a few 
feet of the enemy's breastworks. Again, while 
leading his regiment in a charge on the second 
day of the battle of Nashville, December 16, 1864, 
Colonel Strong was .severely wounded in the left 
arm by a musket ball, which cut off the bones of 
the forearm. This was the last charge the regi- 
ment ever made, and practically the final engage- 
ment of the Army of the Cumberland. This 
ended Colonel Strong's military career, which 
was one of loyalty, gallantry and well merited 
promotions. With one exception, there was not 
an engagement in which his regiment participated 
during the entire war in which he did not take 
part. 

After the close of the war Colonel Strong com- 
menced the study of law in the office of Lee & 



ii8 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Brewer, at Tiffin, Ohio. Ou the 3d of Januar>', 
1867, he was admitted to the Bar by the .Supreme 
Court of Ohio, and at once located at Kenton, 
where he has continued iu successful practice of 
his profession. For years he has been recognized 
as a sound, able and painstaking lawyer, and has 
won an honorable place among the distinguished 
lawyers of Ohio. The connection of Colonel 
Strong with public affairs has been a nio.st hon- 
orable one. In politics he has ever been a Re- 
publican, faithful, earnest and diligent in his sup- 
port of his party. 

Colonel Strong's public career may be said to 
have begun in the fall of 1879, when he was 
elected to the State Senate. Two years later he 
was re-elected, ser\-ing four years in that capacity. 
In 1883 he was appointed by the Governor to the 
position of Judge of the Court of Common Pleas 
to fill a vacancy. Iu November, 1892, he was 
elected to represent the Eighth Cougressional 
District in the Congress of the United States, and 
the appreciation in which his services were held 
was proven by his re-nomination by acclamation 
and his re-election by a greatly increased major- 
ity. As a legislator, his acts are marked by 
great prudence, and a due regard for the will of 
his constituents. His devotion to principle, his 
careful discrimination of men and measures, and 
his intellectual ability have secured him recogni- 
tion among the able statesmen of our country. He 
is a concise, logical reasoner, and when in the prac- 
tice of his profession the facts and the law gov- 
erning his cases are always well in hand. In his 
character he combines those qualities of intellect 
and heart which render him deservedly popular 
and secure to him the warm friendship of all who 
know him. 



(Joseph n. PANGBORN was one of the old 
I and honored pioneers of Marion County, 
(2) and his death, which occurred August 19, 
1883, was deeply deplored by his old friends and 
neighbors. In 1822 he sttllcd in Big Island 



Township, and here made his home during the 
remainder of his life. A native of New York, he 
was born September 27, 181 1, passing his boy- 
hood on a farm. His parents died some time in 
the '40s, and of their six children not one now 
survives. 

January 27, 1839, Mr. Pangborn married Ma- 
tilda Ward, of Marietta, Ohio, that city having 
been the place of her birth, which occurred March 

7, 1820. She is the daughter of Thomas and 
Marj' (Calrow) Ward, natives of England. At 
a verj' early day they emigrated to America, and 
for nearly two years worked at their trade (for 
they were weavers) in Pennsylvania. Later thej' 
removed to Wa.shington County, Ohio, where the 
rest of their lives was spent. Mrs. Pangborn is 
the only one left of eleven children iu her parents' 
famil}-. Though now well along in years, she 
takes great interest in current affairs and is ever 
pleasant and sociable, making friends of one and 
all. Her only daughter, Marj^ is the widow of 
Ebenezer Cory, a well-to-do farmer of Montgom- 
erj- Town.ship, this county. She was married in 
1858, at the age of nineteen years, and has had 
five children. 

Thomas W. Pangborn, whose birth occurred 
Februar)' 10, 1844, is the only son of Joseph D. 
and Matilda Pangborn, the latter of whom is now 
an inmate of his household. He is a practical 
agriculturist, and has made a success in life, being 
now the owner of several farms. No one in this 
community is so generally liked or more worthy 
of respect. 

September 22, 1870, Thomas Panglsorn and 
Jane Frederick were united iu marriage. The 
lady is a daughter of Jacob and Mary (McDan- 
iel) Frederick, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, 
respectively. They resided on a farm, and there 
reared a family of seven children, who, with one 
exception, are still living. The following are the 
names of Mr. Pangborn 's children and the dates 
of their births: Dallas E., May 19, 1871; Marj' 
M., April 29, 1873; Cora W., June 29, 1876; 
Nabbie, Januarj' 25, 1879; James G., August i, 
1881; Josie, December 31, 1883; Ida M., March 

8, 1886; Susan F., October 5, 1888; and knth A., 
Sei)teml)er i, 1892. The eldest, Dallas, died 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



IIQ 



with consumption, February ii, 1889, having 
been an invalid for a long time. The others are 
all at home, and those who have reached a suit- 
able age are attending school. 

Religiously Mr. Pangborn and wife are mem- 
bers of the Baptist Church. The former is affil- 
iated with the Republican party, and faithfully 
discharges the duties which rest upon him as a 
citizen. He owns one hundred and thirty-three 
New York Tribunes, covering the war period, 
from 1 86 1 to 1866, inclusive. Among his other 
trophies is a ball which was u.sed by the Sixty- 
fourth and Sixty-fifth Ohio Regiments about 1864 
in games when off duty. 



(Tames BRITTON. Like many of the rep- 
I resentative and much esteemed citizens of 
Qj Marion County, our subject is a native of 
the township in which he lives, having been born 
on section 9, Big Island Township, February 13, 
1834. He still makes his home on the old estate 
which was the property of his parents, William 
and Sarah (James) Britton. 

The father of our subject was born in New Hamp- 
shire, and there learned and followed the shoe- 
maker's trade up to 1815, the date of his removal 
to this state and county. He at once located in 
Big Island Township, entering eighty acres of 
land, and made this place his home until his 
death, in 1873, at which time he was the possess- 
or of four hundred and thirty acres. He was a 
man of prominence and influence in his commu- 
nity. Having lived through some very exciting- 
times here, were he living he could fill a volume 
with interesting reminiscences of his eventful ca- 
reer. He w^as a man possessed of very little 
book knowledge, and as no record was ever kept 
of his family histors-, but little is known of his 
ancestors. 

Of the fourteen children born to William and 



Sarah Britton, seven lived to mature years. Of 
this family, Lorenzo, Cynthia, Clinton, Roxy, 
Gitto, Nealon, Sanuiel, Sarah and Clarinda are 
deceased. Melissa married Nelson Williams, the 
owner of land in both Big Island antl vSalt Rock 
Townships, Marion Caunt>-; and James is the 
subject of this sketch. 

When the father came West he ci)n\'e>ed his 
household effects on a raft down the Ohio River, 
but before landing with them met with a great 
misfortune, the raft sinking to the bottom of the 
river. This loss made him feel so poor that he 
felt compelled to remain here, although he had 
desired to return to the Granite State, and, enter- 
ing a tract of land, settled down and prepared to 
gain a good income from its cultivation. This 
he did in time and was never sorry afterward that 
he did not follow his inclination to abandon the 
scene of his misfortunes. He was married, Janu- 
ary 16, 1857, to Lydia McNabb, daughter of An- 
gus and Lydia (Shippy) McNabb. Her father 
was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and was married 
to Lydia Shippy after coming to the United 
States, in Massachusetts. The mother was born 
June 28, 1795, while her husband, who was some 
years older, was born in 1783. Their onl}' child 
was our subject's wife, whose birth occurred June 
26, 1838. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Britton has been granted a 
fauiily of eight children. Asa, born September 
10, 1858, is now a farmer of Big Lsland Township. 
William A., born December 10, i860, died Janu- 
ary 16, 1869. Sarah, born July 6, 1S65, died 
March 19, 1892; she had formerly married C. C. 
Brady, and was the mother of one child. Ele- 
anor, born December 29, 1870, died April 6, 
1871. James, Jr., born April 15, 1871, is at home 
with his parents. Lydia R. , born December 20, 
1873, and Maye M., June 7, 1876, are at home; 
and Marion W., born July 8, 1880, died May 6 
of the following year. 

Our .subject lived at home for a year after 
reaching his majority, and on commencing the 
battle of life for himself chose the occupation of a 
farmer, to which pursuit he had been reared. 
His pos.sessions now include one hundred acres, 
on which he carries on general farming. He 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



was as well educated as were the youth of his 
day and locality, but it is his intention to give 
his children ever>' advantage. He is a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in politics 
is a Prohibitionist. 



+= 



=-f 



(Justus a. MOUSER, M. D., is one of the 
I honored old physicians of Marion County, 
O who since the war has been located at Larue, 
though his practice is widespread. He has been 
very successful, both in a financial and profes- 
sional sense, and is the owner of valuable prop- 
erty here and in Texas. At one time he made 
extensive purchases in Abilene and vicinitj-, with 
the intention of becoming a resident of that place. 
The Doctor's parents were Isaac and Ann E. 
(Strawbridge) Mouser, he being the eldest child. 
Marj- J., the second, died at the age of fifty-six 
years; George A. died of typhoid fever during 
his army ser\'ice, at Cumberland, Md., in October, 
1865, when only twenty -two years of age; Emily 
H. is the widow of Rev. George Burns, of Bloom- 
ington, 111.; Abram C. is an attorney and real- 
estate dealer in San Diego, Cal.; Homer S. is a 
lawyer of Hitchcock, S. Dak. ; and Isaac J. is an at- 
torney-at-la\v in South Har\-ey, 111. The father 
was a native of Virginia, and lived on a farm there 
until 1833, when he emigrated to this county and 
bought a farm near Scott Town. Subsequently 
he became the owner of a large farm in Marion 
Township, and while living there was killed, at 
the age of fifty-four years, by a railroad train. 
His father, Jacob Mouser, was also a Virginian, 
and enlisted in the War of 1812 when only six- 
teen years of age. He died in this county about 
1834, in middle life. His father, who bore the 
same Christian name, was a native of Germany. 
The Doctor's mother was born in Pennsylvania, 
and her death occurred in Illinois, when she was 
in her sixty-ninth year. Her father was of Irish 
lineage, but was born in England, from which 



country he emigrated to the United States in 
early manhood. Her mother, who before her 
marriage was Ann Maus, was born in Germany. 

Dr. J. A. Mouser was born on the 13th of 
December, 1835, near Cochranton, this county, 
and until he was twenty years of age spent his 
time in farming and in attending the district 
schools. Later he went to the high school in Ma- 
rion, and at the age of twenty began teaching in 
a district school near Claridon, receiving $19 
per month and his board for a three-months term. 
He then entered college at Delaware, Ohio, where 
he remained during the next six j-ears, his stud- 
ies being interrupted one year, as he was obliged 
to farm in order to get money for the completion 
of his education. He graduated July 26, 1862, 
and soon took up medical studies under Dr. 
Sweenej', of Marion. He also taught the Larue 
school for one winter. In the fall of 1863 and 
the following winter he attended a course of lect- 
ures in the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, 
and during the inter\-ening summer engaged in 
farming, at the .same time keeping up his medical 
woik. After attending lectures during the win- 
ter of 1864 and 1865 at the Ohio Medical College, 
he was graduated, March 2, and the next day was 
examined for United States Surgeon. He was 
later employed by the Government and sent to 
Camp Butler, 111., where he remained until the 
close of the war. 

Returning to Marion County, Dr. Mouser lo- 
cated for practice in Hardin County, but before 
long settled in Larue, where he has been in con- 
tinuous practice ever since. Many years ago he 
discovered a new treatment for diphtheria and 
typhoid fever, and though in twenty-nine years 
he has had over fifty cases of the former and more 
than one hundred of the latter disease, he has 
only lost one patient. For eighteen years he has 
been a member of the School Board of Larue, and 
has also been a member of the Cit\- Council. In 
1873 he left the ranks of the Republican party 
and joined the Prohibitionists, with whom he is 
in warm sympathy, and as a temperance worker 
he is well known. He belongs to many of the 
leading temperance organizations, and was the 
first one initiated in the Masonic order here, this 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



121 



being about twenty years ago. For twenty-eight 
years he has been a member of tlie Odd Fellows' 
society. 

March i, i8fi4, Dr. Mouscr married vSarali Iv. 
De Long, of Larue. They have had nine chiL 
dren, namelv: May I)., who is the wife of h'ran- 
cis M. Holland, of Delaware, Ohio; Andaose IL, 
a practicing i)hysician of Paulding, Ohio, and a 
graduate of the Columbus Medical College; Grant 
E., whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this 
work; George B., who graduated from the Cin- 
cinnati Law School and is now a leading attorney 
at Marion, Tnd.; Maude A., who is teaching 
school ill Lanie; Lloyd II., a graduate of the lo- 
cal .scliool, and now a teacher in Paulding C<)Uiit>-, 
Ohio; Ju.stus Howard, now attending the Larue 
schools; and Roy IL and Carl IL, who are at 
home. 

For thirty-five years Dr. Mouser was a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Kpi.scopal Church and was 
the founder of and main contributor in building 
the Larue Church. Of late years he has been an 
active mendDer of the Baptist denomination, hav- 
ing left the fir.st-nanied organization l)ecause he 
refused to .support a church who.se minister voted 
to allow the liquor traffic to go on. 



(TOHN M. PKARCE. Few men have done 
I more for the upbuilding of Kenton and its 
Q) general advancement than the sutjject of this 
notice, who has been a resident of Hardin Coun- 
ty since 1856. His prompt and methodical busi- 
ness habits, good financial talent, and tact in the 
management of affairs have brought him before 
the public at various times, and in every po.sition 
he has promoted the interests of his fellow-citi- 
zens. The insurance business of which he is the 
head is one of the mo.st exten.sive in the county, 
and has been brought to its present dimensiqns 
through his earnest and indefatigable efforts. 

Mr. Pearce was born in New Bedford, Mass., 
September 10, 1837. His father, Dr. Benjamin 



Pearce, a native- of Rhode Island, was born in 
1813, and was a dentist by profession. About 
1840 he sellk'd ill Meni])his, Teiiii., whence, in 
1845, he came to Ohio, and here he isstill living, 
his home being with our suhjrcl. The iiatenial 
grandfather, Benjaiiiiii, vSr., w.as also a native of 
Rhode Island, ami was :i Coloiul in tlie Revolu- 
tionary War, ha\-ing comiiiand of the troops at 
Ft. Adams. He was a distant relatix'e of Com- 
modore Perry, of Lake Iviie fame, and wIk-ii the 
monument was built to his nRiiujry at Cleveland, 
the first chip off IIr- stone was presented to the 
father of our Sllbjett as :i soii\-enir. 

The motlu-r of our subject bore the maiden 
name of .Susan 1'. Xiekerson. .She was born in 
Rhode Island in 1817, and died in Cleveland, 
Ohio, in 1884, aged sixty-se\'en. Her father, 
Je])lh;i Nickerson, was a .sea-faring man and was 
master of a packet from New York to Liverpool 
for .seventeen years, and later navigated Lake 
Ivrie from Buffalo to Cleveland. .Slie had three 
brothers, Jeptlia, George and David. Our sub- 
ject, who was an only child, received his early 
education at Cleveland, where his father first set- 
tled on coming to Ohio. His studies were coin- 
l)leted at the University of Grand Rapids in 
Michigan. 

Coming to Hardin Count\- in 1856, Mr. Pearce 
was for fourteen years agent of the Pittsburg &: 
Ft. Wayne Railroad at Forest. In tlie fall of 
1869 he was elected Circuit Clerk of Hardin 
County on the Democratic ticket, and enjoyed 
the di.stinction of being the only Democrat who 
ever held that office in the count}-. At the ex- 
piration of his term of service he remained in the 
same office as dei)Uly to his successor, William 
H. Fleming, and later was with Jo.seph Timmons, 
being thus engaged for nine years. On retiring 
from office, he embarked in the real-estate and in- 
.surance business, which he has since conducted 
successfully. From 1879 until 1882 he .served as 
Justice of the Peace. 

In i860 Mr. Pearce was united in marriage 
with Mi.ss Mary K., daughter of Dr. B. F. Whit- 
ney, of Mansfield They have four children liv- 
ing, and lost one son, John B., who died in Col- 
orado at the age of twenty-two years. F'rank M. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



is the managing partner of the Robey Tobacco 
Company of Kenton; Sarah R. is a resident of 
Mansfield, this state; Frances W. is the wife of 
H. S. Black, also of Mansfield; and Hugh E. is 
bookkeeper for the American Straw Board Fac- 
tory at Middletown, Ohio. Mr. Pearce and his 
family occupj- a pleasant and comfortable abode 
on North Main Street, opposite the new Armory. 
Mrs. Pearce is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. 



l®), .^i^h. ,(S)J 



(TOHN H. KANNEIv, who is one of the en- 
I terprising farmers of Big Island Township, 
\~/ Marion County, has con.siderable influence 
in the community where he resides, which fact is 
easily accounted for bj' his strong principles, his 
active interest in the welfare of all around him, 
and his pleasant manners, which are the crown- 
ing charm of his fine nature. 

Mr. Kannel was born in Knox County, this 
state, January 12, 1848, to Joseph and Sarah 
(Peck) Kannel. The father was a native of the 
Keystone State, whence he came to Ohio in a 
very early day, making settlement in Stark Coun- 
ty, where he followed his trade of a shoemaker 
in connection with farming. He was first unable 
to own land, but by working out by the year he 
saved his earnings, and the farm which he later 
bought in Knox County included fortj- acres. 
This he managed in a profitable manner, and to- 
gether with the income derived from his trade 
was enabled to live comfortably for the remainder 
of his life. 

To Joseph and Sarah Kannel was born a family 
of eight .sons and daughters. The eldest, Eliza- 
beth, never married, and is now residing in Shel- 
by County, Mo., with a si.ster; Mary A. married 
Philip Ruth, and with her five children li%-es on 
a farm in Shelby County, Mo.; Daniel is also fol- 
lowing the life of a fanner in the above .state; Re- 



becca is unmarried, and makes her home in this 
county; Harry has a good estate in Missouri; 
John H. was the next in order of birth; Sarah 
married A. O. Smith, a substantial farmer of 
Montgomery Township, Marion County; and Jo- 
seph is farming in this county. The husband 
and father departed this life May 23, 1881, aged 
seventy-three years. His good wife only sur- 
vived him two years, she passing away October 
22, 1883, and both were interred in Pleasant Hill 
Cemetery. During their lifetime they were val- 
ued members of the Lutheran Church, and active 
m all good works of their community. In poli- 
tics Jo.seph Kannel was a strong Republican, vot- 
ing on all occa.sions for candidates of that party. 
He gave to all his children the best advantages 
for obtaining an education which the times and 
day afforded, and had the satisfaction of knowing 
that his sons and daughters were so trained as to 
be an honor to his name in coming generations. 

The original of this .sketch was married, June 
12, 188 1, to Ella Strawser, the daughter of Jacob 
and Mary (Cole) Strawser, natives of Ross and 
Marion Counties, respectively. They were farm- 
ers, and were cla.ssed among the substantial resi- 
dents of Marion County, where the mature years 
of their lives were passed. Of their family we 
make the following mention: Eva married Van 
Messenger, of Marion County, and has three chil- 
dren; Elsie is now the wife of Wi41iam Smith, a 
merchant of Logan Countj-, and is the mother 
of one child; William L. died in infancy; Ella is 
the wife of our subject; Jacob F. is also deceased; 
Charles L. is farming in Marion County, and by 
his marriage with Miss Alice Burk has become 
the father of one child. The mother of this fam- 
ily was the widow of James Wood at the time of 
her marriage with Mr. Straw.ser, and by him she 
had a son, James H., now a resident of Logan 
County. She is still living, aged .sixtj' years. 
The death of her husband, which occurred June 
I, 1886, left her in possession of fifty-three acres 
of land, which she is superintending in an admir- 
able manner. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Kannel have been born three 
children: Blanche, born April 23, 1882; LulnG., 
Novembers, 1883; and HarleyR., Septembers, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1887. The estate of our subject includes one 
hundred and seventy-seven broad acres, which 
are well improved and adorned with all suitable 
structures for the storing of grain and shelter of 
stock. His farm residence is substantial and com- 
modious, and their home is the abode <)f peace 
and plenty. 

Mr. Kannel has been School Directoi for many 
terms, which is the only office that he has ever 
accepted, and during elections casts a Republican 
ballot. 



.^^O. 



|ILLIAM M. TRACY, one of the enterpris- 
ing young journalists of Marion County, is 
editor and publisher of the Larue Wirk/y 
Nfics, a bright and well conducted paper. He 
became the sole proprietor of the newspaper plant 
in September, 1892, and placed it on a firm finan- 
cial basis. The circulation of the paper is growing 
at a flattering rate and the books show an actual 
subscription list of eight hiuidred. The Ncit's is 
devoted to the welfare of this conununity, and 
spares no efforts in the advancement of its in- 
terests. 

The father of our subject was Hiram Tracy, 
who was born and passed his entire life in the 
Buckeye State. By occupation he was a farmer 
in Union County, and died on his homestead 
when in his forty-ninth year. His parents were 
natives of New York State, and his grandparents 
were born in Scotland. His father, who attained 
the extreme old age of one hundred and one years, 
was in the Patriot army during the War of 181 2. 
The wife of Hiram Tracy bore the maiden name 
of Martha Graves. Her father was born in Ire- 
land, and her mother was a native of Ohio, but of 
Scotch extraction. Mrs. Tracy died at her home 
in Richwood at the age of fifty-five years. 

The second in a family of five children, Will- 
iam M. Tracy was born February 8, 1866, in 
Richwood, l^nion Countv, this state. He re- 



mained at home with his mother after his father's 
death until he was nearly grown, and received a 
very good grammar and high school education. 
He early manifested an inclination for a journal- 
istic career and learned the details of the business. 
Going to Findlay, Ohio, he worked as a journey- 
man printer for some time, after which he went 
to Marion and was employed on the Minor for 
three years. On the expiration of that period he 
bought a fourth interest in the bu.siness and was 
as.sociated therewith until the fall of 1892, since 
which time, as previously stated, he has given his 
entire attention to the management of the News. 

Mr. Tracy uses his right of franchise in favor 
of the Democratic party, and has taken quite an 
active part in county politics, though his paper is 
conducted on neutral lines. He is a member of 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging 
to both the subordinate lodge and the encamp- 
ment of Marion. He is also associated with La- 
rue Lodge No. 463, F. & A. M., and with Wal- 
ter Scott Lodge No. 214, K. of P. Religiously 
he is a believer in the Methodist Episcopal de- 
nomination and is a strong member of the local 
church. 

November 25, 1891, Mr. Tracy was united in 
marriage with Miss Eunice Hedges, who was born 
and grew to womanhood in Union County, Ohio. 
The young couple are very popular in social and 
church circles and enjoy the friendship of all who 
have the pleasure of their acquaintance. 



OC++++***+++*+3Ss************X> 



HON. JOHN BAIN, of Larue, is one of the 
old pioneers and representative men of Ma- 
rion County. He has always been a leader 
in the- Republican party and has .served honora- 
bly and greatly to his own credit in man}' public 
positions. He has filled nearly all of the town- 
ship offices, having been a Trustee for several 
years, and was Ju.stice of the Peace for twenty- 
one years. He was nominated for the po.sition 
of Countv Commissioner, but as the Democrats 



124 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



were in the majority he was defeated. In 1891 
he was elected to represent the Thirteenth Dis- 
trict of Ohio in the State Senate, and both win- 
ters while in the House he opened the .sessions 
with prayer. To him was given the honor of 
making the opening prayer at the dedication of 
the Ohio State Building at the Worlds Fair. 

The father of the above-named gentleman was 
John Bain, a native of Scotland. For many 
years he sailed on a Briti.sh vessel, but in 1832 
came to America and purchased land in Mont- 
gomery Township, this county. For eighteen 
years he was a captain on Lake Erie, and during 
his absence from home his family continued to 
live on the farm. He was called to the home be- 
yond at the age of si.xty-six years. His wife was 
in her girlhood a Miss Ann Horn, and to them 
were born seven children, only three of whom 
sur\-ive. William is now operating the old home- 
stead, and Francis ^L is a retired civil engineer, 
living near Ann Arbor, Mich. The mother died 
at the age of .seventj-si.x years. Both she and 
her husband were reared in the Presbyterian 
faith, but later became identified with the Chris- 
tian and Baptist Churches. 

Born in Dundee, Scotland, May 3, 1S29, John 
Bain, of this sketch passed the first three years 
of his life in his native land, and was then 
brought by his parents to this county. Until he 
was fourteen years ol age he had never attended 
school, as there had been none organized in the 
di.strict, and when a building was put up for that 
purpose he assisted in its erection. It was made 
of logs, and no nails or glass were used in the 
structure. When it was completed, he attended 
school at odd times for twenty-seven months al- 
together. For an additional four months he at- 
tended the old academy, and broke stone on the 
street to pay his board. He was verj' studious 
and, being a youth of much more than average 
intelligence and quickness of perception, made 
progress in spite of all obstacles. At length he 
obtained a certificate, and after teaching one term 
in Big Island Township, attended the select 
school at Mar.seilles for two months, and then 
taught for four successive winters, again farming 
in the .summer. About this time he inherited 



one hundred acres of land from his father's estate, 
and henceforward devoted his attention to agri- 
cultural pursuits until November i, 1894, when 
he retired from active cares to make his home in 
Lame. 

May 3, 1853, Mr. Bain married Eliza Scribner, 
of this county, whose parents were among the 
early pioneers, and whose father was born in Del- 
aware County, Ohio, in 1784. She died at the 
age of forty-seven years, leaving the following 
children: Flora A., wife of C. S. Lippincott, of 
Larue; Milton Henry, a leading merchant of this 
place; Addison, who is now on the home farm; 
Jeanetta, wife of D. F. Wilson, of Montgomerj- 
Township; Mar\- M., wife of William P. Larue, 
a farmer of Bowling Green Township, this coun- 
ty; William F. , a California ranchman; John H., 
Cashier in Campbell's Bank; and James W. and 
George S., who are engaged in clerking. March 
15, 1883, Mr. Bain married Mrs. Phoebe (Rush) 
Robinson. By her previous union she had two 
children: William E., a telegraph operator; and 
Lulu, W'ho is the wife of Edgar Stivers, of Hutch- 
inson, Kan. Mrs. Bain is a native of this coun- 
ty, though her parents were born in Germany. 

While he was serving in the Ohio House of 
Representatives, Mr. Bain was presented with an 
elegant Bible, inscribed on the front page as fol- 
lows: "To the Hon. John Bain, as a token of 
respect from the Democratic members of the 
Senate of the Seventieth Annual Assembly of 
Ohio, April 27, 1893. 
[Signed.] 

"John L. Gever, Thirty-second District. 

" W. C. Grear, Thirty-first District. 

" Thomas A. Bernes, Twelfth District. 

"J. P. Forbes, Eighteenth and Nineteenth 
District. 

" H. S. Stewart, Thirtieth District. 

"A. R. VanCleef, Tenth Di.strict. 

"H. C. Marshall, Third District. 

" W. G. BeebE, Seventeenth and Eighteenth 
Districts. ' ' 

Though he has never been regularly ordained, 
Mr. Bain has acted as a local minister for about 
thirty-five years, and during this time has never 
received but $1 for his services as such, and that 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



125 



was from a German, who took him from the har- 
vest field to preach a funeral sermon, and who 
did not understand enough English to know that 
Mr. Bain did not wish to accept anj' remunera- 
tion. He is a very active member of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church and is beloved by all who 
know him for his worthy qualities. He owns 
three hundred and sixty-five acres of valuable 
land in this township and a beautiful home in 
Larue. 



(lAMES H. LEONARD, a very prominent and 
I successful business man, is proprietor of the 
(2/ Larue Bank, a private in.stitution at Larue, 
Marion County. He was the genial and popular 
Postmaster of this place for a period of twelve 
years, during which time he won a host of friends 
in this community. Among other of his invest- 
ments is a farm of one hundred and sixty-three 
acres, which lies in this county. 

The father of the above-named gentleman was 
William Leonard, a native of Pennsylvania, who 
removed to Delaware County, Ohio, about 1854. 
At the end of the year he came to Marion Coun- 
ty, and as he had failed in business by going bail 
for certain parties, rented land for a time. When 
six years had elapsed he bought a small farm, and 
remained thereon until 1882, when he retired and 
made his home in Larue up to his death, at the 
age of eighty years. In religious belief he was a 
Methodist. His parents were both natives of 
Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather was of 
French descent and of old Huguenot .stock, while 
his paternal grandmother was of English extrac- 
tion. The wife of William Leonard bore the 
maiden name of Marj- Van Art. She, too, was a 
native of the Keystone State, and was of German 
origin. Stie lived to see her sixtieth birthday, 
and passed to the home beyond in 1867. 

James H. Leonard was bom August 19, 1842, 
in Washington County, Pa., being the eighth in a 
family of nine children. His boyhood was passed | 



on the old farm, and during this period he at- 
tended the neighboring schools, but to a very 
limited extent, for his father was i>oorand needed 
his a.ssistance on the farm. In 1864 he was in 
the Govermnent employ in the Western States, 
and in November of that year came to Larue, 
where he has since made his home. 

About 1868 Mr. Leonard became interested in 
merchandising, and under the firm name of Hop- 
kins & Leonard did business for .some fifteen years 
in Larue, at the end of which time his partner, 
J.J. Hopkins, .sold out. The firm was later re- 
organized, and for three years was known as 
Leonard, Rhodes & Co. In 1887 Mr. Leonard 
succeeded to the entire busine.ss and continued to 
carry it on successfully until 1891, when he dis- 
posed of his interest in the concern. Soon after- 
ward he .started the Larue Bank, and owns the 
majority of its .stock. 

September 12, 1865, Mr. Leonard married Mat- 
tie Wilson, of this county. Two daughters have 
been born to them: Zoa E., who is now attending 
college at Hillsdale, Mich. ; and one who died in 
infancy. Mrs. Leonard is a native of Ohio and a 
daughter of Samuel and Lovina (Swain) Wilson. 

On questions of political moment our sub- 
ject is a Republican, and takes great intere.st in 
the same. vSocially he is a member of the Ma- 
sonic order, belonging to the local lodge, and to 
the Consi.story of Cincinnati. Personally he is 
a valued friend, a pleasant companion and has 
hosts of friends. 



gEORGE RHOADS, deceased, was an ex- 
tensive property-owner and an honored citi- 
zen of Big Island Township, Marion Coun- 
ty. He was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Feb- 
ruary I, 1810, and died January 20, 1884, being 
placed to rest in Scott Town Cemetery. His 
education was limited, and so were his finances 
for several years after he started out to make his 
own way in the world. In spite of all, however, 



[26 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



he succeeded even beyond his own expectations, 
and * last seven hundred acres bore tribute to 
his industry. Politically he was a Republican, 
and for a number of 3-ears he was Trustee of this 
township. A member of the Methodist Church, 
he carried its teachings into his daily life, and 
was loved by all who knew him. 

March 17, 1839, Mr. Rhoads married Drusilla 
Yokani, by whom he had twelve children. James 
M. was born December 31, 1839; John, bom 
December 31, 1841, is a resident of this county; 
Absalom P. was born September 4, 1843, and is 
also living in this county; Jes.se, born Septem- 
ber 20, 1845, owns a farm in Missouri; Martha 
E., born August 15, 1847, died in infancy; Ra- 
chel A., born November 15, 1848, married James 
Stivesson. and died August 26, 1877; George H., 
bom March 22, 1852, died May 21, 1853, by 
drowning; George H., the second of that name, 
was born April 8, 1854, and died the following 
December; Winfield S., born February 18, 1856, 
is an engineer in Marion; Mary E., born April 
II, 1859, is the wife of Walter Winn; Francis 
M., bom August 13, 1861, died May 23, 1893, 
leaving a wife and five children; and Alpha O., 
born December 8, 1863, now owns the old home 
tarm. Mrs. Drusilla Rhoads is a daughter of 
Absalom and Rachel (Hall) Yokam, natives of 
Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively. At a 
verj' early day the family moved to Knox Coun- 
ty, Ohio, and for some time had no neighbors 
within eight miles of their humble home. Mrs. 
Rhoads was born January- 4, 1819, and is .still 
living on her hu.sband's old farm with her young- 
est son. 

Alpha O. Rhoads was married, February 27, 
1887, to Lulu, daughter of James and Sarah A. 
(Morgan) Davis, natives of Virginia. In 1867 
they came to tliis township, and are yet living on 
a farm here. Mr. and Mrs. Rlioads have had 
two children. 

James M. Rhoads has the honor of having been 
held and caressed by William II. Harrison at a 
rally in Marion in 1840. February 21, 1867, he 
married Lovira, daughter of Lauren and Julia 
(McElvy) Lewis, natives of New York. The 
father was bom February 25, 1814, and in 1834 



moved to Ohio, taking up his abode in Salt Rock 
Township. There he lived until 1869, when he 
retired and remained in Upper Sandusky the rest 
of his life, his death occurring May 7, 1893. His 
first wife died August 4, 1856, and he later mar- 
ried Maria Bowers, who died June 7, 1890. Mrs. 
Rhoads is one of three children. Her brother, 
John L., born May 23, 1847, is Cashier of the 
Harp.ster (Ohio) Bank. Ida J., born June 10, 
1855, died in infancy. 

Four children have come to bless the home of 
Mr. and Mrs. Rhoads: George L., born Decem- 
ber 29, 1867, was married, October 25, 1893, to 
Almeda Riley, and lives on a part of the old 
farm; Julia, born December 7, 1872, became the 
wife of William S. Da\'is, a farmer, July 9, 1893; 
Marian M., born January 9, 1877, is at home; 
and Princess L., born February 3, 1881, com- 
pletes the number. 

October 21, 1861, James M. Rhoads enlisted in 
Company D, Sixty-fourth Ohio Regiment, under 
Capt. William W. Smith, of ^L'lnsfield, Ohio. He 
took part in the Atlanta campaign and was in 
numerous important engagements, among them 
being Chickamauga. He was twice shot in the 
leg, and was confined in the Nashville Ho.spital 
for a time. His honorable discharge is dated De- 
cember 10, 1864. Politically he is a Republican, 
and in religious belief is a Baptist. His fami 
comprised one hundred and fifty-six acres, but he 
sold half an acre for a schoolhouse site. 



((9), .^J^. -(S'i 



<^HOMAS SLOAN. On the 29th of July, 
f C 1880, there passed from earth a gentleman 
\2) who for years had been closely cotniected 
with the history of Taylor Creek Township, 
Hardin County, and whose life was a clear and 
blotle.ss page of noble deeds nobly done. He it 
is whose name introduces these paragraphs, and 
whose history we thus briefly record for posterity. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



127 



His life from boj'liood years was passed in this 
county, and he had a large circle of friends among 
the people here. 

A native of Ireland, Thomas Sloan was born in 
June, 1820, and there the first fourteen years of 
his life were uneventfully passed. In 1834, in 
company with his parents and the other members 
of the family, he took passage in a sailing-vessel, 
and after a voyage of seven weeks, during which 
time severe storms were encountered, he landed 
in Philadelphia, where he remained with rela- 
tives for six weeks. Thence he proceeded with 
his parents to Beaver County, Pa., and two 
months later came to Ohio, journeying with team 
and covered wagon to Taylor Creek Township, 
Hardin County. 

Arriving at his destination, the father of our 
subject bought one hundred and thirty-two acres, 
for which he paid $2 per acre, and the larger por- 
tion of which was heavily timbered. Upon the 
farm stood a cabin, 16x18 feet in dimensions, and 
into this primitive structure the family at once 
moved. Eight years later a new house was erect- 
ed, 18x24, and in it the father continued to reside 
until his death. Being industrious and persever- 
ing, he succeeded in clearing about one hundred 
acres, and his farm became one of the most valu- 
able in the county. 

John and Sarah (McClellen) vSloan, parents of 
our subject, were natives of Ireland, and their 
family consisted of the following children, namely: 
William, Joseph, Samuel, John, James, Thomas, 
David, Robert, Fannie, Margaret and Eliza. 
March 22, 1853, our subject was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Eliza Sloan, a native ol Ireland, 
and to their union eleven children were born, of 
whom ten are still living. John J., the eldest, 
was born March 23, 1854, and married May Wal- 
ters October 14, 1880; Eliza Aim, who was born 
August 23, 1856, married E. A. Silwright Octo- 
ber 4, 1893; Robert S., whose birth occurred 
August 13, 1857, married Delia Rogers February 
10, 1886; Letecia E., who was born August 29, 
1859, became the wife of Charles Wharton June 
21, 1887; Sarah was born August 29, 1859; Will- 
iam M. was born on the 15th of March, 1862, 
and married Anna M. Cheppell September 5, 



1894; Thomas H. was born September 8, 1866; 
Emily J., June 30, 1868; David, born March 24, 
1871, died June 28, 1886; Margaret I., born Oc- 
tober 17, 1873, and George J., December 12, 
1875, complete the family circle. 

From the time of making settlement in Hardin 
County, the vSloan family has been closely con- 
nected with the progress of this section, and its 
members have uniforndy been honorable, able, 
energetic and upright. Our subject spent much 
of his life in Taylor Creek Township, and such 
were his honesty and kindness of heart, that he 
numbered many friends among his fellow-citizens. 
He was a sincere Christian and held membership 
in the United Presbyterian Cluirch. He was at- 
tached to the doctrines of the Republican party, 
and earnestly advocated its interests with his 
voice and vote. 



k-^^-^-=- 



0AMSON M. RUTI.EDGE. Examples of 
2\ strict integrity, great energy and financial 
\~/ success may be met with in every agricult- 
ural district in our country. E.specially is this 
the case in Hardin County, where the majority of 
the farmers are well-to-do, intelligent and enter- 
prising. Among the representatives of this class 
is Mr. Rutledge, the owner and occupant of a 
farm situated on sections 17, 19 and 20, Round- 
head Township. This property, under his per- 
sonal supervision, has been placed under a high 
state of cultivation and improved with all the ac- 
cessories and conveniences of a model estate. 

A native of the township where he now lives, 
our subject was born April 10, 1847, being the 
son of Richard and Sarah ( Hill ) Rutledge, natives 
of Maryland, the former born July 28, 1798, and 
the latter November 7, 1807. His father, who 
was brought to Ohio by his parents in 18 10, grew 
to manhood in Muskingum County, thence went 
to Champaign County, and in 1825 removed to 
Logan County, becoming a pioneer of that sec- 
tion of the state. Indians were still numerous 



128 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in the neighborhood, and wild game also abound- 
ed. He was a man of considerable enterprise, 
and, undismayed by his frontier surroundings, he 
started to improv-e the land he had purchased. 
His first task was the erection of a log cabin, and 
this he surmounted with a nailed roof — the first 
of the kind in the count}-. During his eight 
years' residence there, he succeeded in bringing 
the land under good cultivation, so that its value 
was largely enhanced. 

As early as 1833 the father came to Hardin 
County, and settled on section 19, Roundhead 
Township, where he built a cabin with one room. 
The land had not been cleared, and to place it 
under culti\ ation was no slight task, but he was 
equal to it. For a long time he lived there, grad- 
uallj- adding to his e.state, introducing improve- 
ments and erecting farm buildings. From there, 
in i860, he removed to section 20. In 181 7 he 
married Mary Lewis, a native of Kentucky, and 
they became the parents of sixteen children, 
most of whom died in infancy. Five arrived at 
years of maturity, but only two are now living: 
Benjamin W., a farmer of this township, and 
Thomas J. , who resides in Ada, this county. Mrs. 
Marj' Rutledge died September 8, 1845, when 
nearly forty-eight years old. For his .second 
wife, Richard Rutledge chose Mrs. Sarah Lay, 
nee Hill, by whom he had one child, our subject. 
She died May 18, 1873. The father pa.ssed away 
January 12, 1875, and was laid to re.st by the 
side of his two wives, on the old homestead. 

Few of the residents of Roundhead Town.ship 
are more familiar with its history during the past 
half century than is Samson M. Rutledge, for 
having spent his entire life here, and being a man 
of more than ordinary intelligence, he has been 
closely connected with the growth and develop- 
ment of this locality. His educational advant- 
ages were limited to a brief attendance at the log 
.schoolhouse near his father's home. He remained 
with his parents until they died, and cared for 
them with filial affection during their declining 
days. 

In Roundhead Town.ship, March 18, 1869, oc- 
curred the marriage of Mr. Rutledge and Miss 
Amanda, daughter of James and Zipporah (Rees) 



Walter. Mrs. Rutledge was born in Auglaize 
Countj', Ohio, July 6, 185 1, and is one of six 
children, four of whom survive. Six children 
comprise the family of our subject and his wife, 
namely: Richard, born January 17, 1870, and 
now a resident of Chicago, where he is employed 
in a railroad office; John, born May i, 1871, who 
married Miss Bertha Dinehart, December 20, 
1893; I^en W., born October 15, 1873; Rees, 
born November 2, 1875; Luther, who died in 
childhood; and Je.ssie, whose birth occurred De- 
cember 23, 1888. 

Politically a Republican, Mr. Rutledge is in- 
terested in public affairs, and especiall}- in matters 
pertaining to the township and county. He has 
served as School Director, but as a rule has de- 
clined office. For several j-ears he was a Trus- 
tee in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has 
always taken an active part in the work of that 
denomination. 



•^il^ -AW -^U^ -Al*- -Md-' '■*iJt^ JEMl **M- »A 1 A* ^ 

^m^ -^fr. -Jfc^ -4ft^ -iW- -m~ 'An •'91*- -*.. - 



^HOMAS THOMPSON has been a life-long 
I C resident of Marion County, and for over 
\fj thirty years has made his abode on section 
II, Big Island Township. His farm, which com- 
prises about one hundred acres, is one of the best 
to be found in the county. It is well improved 
with good buildings, fences, etc., and is kept in a 
thrifty and creditable manner. The owner has al- 
ways been engaged in general farming, and for 
the most part has been successful in his different 
ventures. Bj' all who have the pleasure of his 
acquaintance he is highly esteemed and respected. 
Edward and Ellen (Foos) Thomp.son, parents 
of our subject, were natives of Virginia and came 
to the Buckeye State with their parents when 
quite young, settling in Clark County. The first 
j'ears of their married life were spent in that sec- 
tion, whence they removed here about 1825, lo- 
cating in Salt Rock Township. With the excep- 
tion of one son, Robert, their nine children are 
all living and are as follows: Jane, William, Isa- 
bella, Thomas, Sarah, Edward, Anna and 
Charles. 





V, 


\ 


C*^ 


'^m^ 


i^\ 







ICDWAKI) iniiEK 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



131 



Our subject was bom May 11, 1831, and in his 
boyhood received very hmited advantages in the 
way of an education. He continued to make his 
parents' home his headquarters until he was mar- 
ried, that event occurring November 29, 1858, 
and Mrs. I,avina Brady (iicc Cullison) being 
the lady of his choice. She was also a native of 
Ohio, and for the last sixteen years of her life 
was a great invalid. During this time Mr. 
Thompson faithfully cared for his wife, who was 
at last released from her sufferings b}' the Death 
Angel, April 10, 1893. They had one child, 
Oregon, who was born September 13, 1S59, and 
assists in the management of the old farm. 

Both our subject and his son are Republicans 
and actively interested in all new enterprises and 
movements for the advancement of the public 
welfare. The latter is at present serving as 
Township Trustee, and Mr. Thompson, Sr., has 
also frequently acted in behalf of his fellow-citi- 
zens in official positions. 



DWARD HUBER, President of the Huber 
^ Manufacturing Company, of Marion, Ohio, 
__ an immense concern, which give employ- 
ment to more than four hundred hands, and which 
has almost a national reputation, is still another 
example of the men who have been the architects 
of their own fortune; who, .starting with nothing 
that might be called an advantage in life, l^ave 
still by some inherent qualitj' of genius and per- 
severance, and the faculty of seizing the chances 
which fate threw in their way, risen to positions 
of prominence and usefulness never, perhaps, 
dreamed of in their early days, when life was 
often a struggle for existence. 

Aside from the fact that the family is of Ger- 
man descent, ver>- little is known of the geneal- 
ogy of the Huber family. The father, Philip Hu- 
ber, was one of four brothers who came to the 
United States from Germany. The eldest brother, 
Albert, a farmer, died in Indiana. The young- 



est, John, was a soldier in the Civil War, and 
lost his life while .serving gallantly in this coun- 
trj-'s cause. The father of Edward was a cabinet- 
maker by trade, and on coming to this country 
when a young man followed his business at first 
at Philadelphia. On leaving that city, he went to 
Kelso, Dearborn County, Ind., and purcha.sed a 
small farm. On this he erected a little .shop, in 
which he carried on blacksmithing, cabinet-mak- 
ing, and, in fact, anything to eke out the scanty 
products of the farm. He had married Miss Mars- 
Kerns, aI.so a native of Germany, who came to 
America in 1834, and into their humble home 
was born their son Edward on the ist of Septem- 
ber, 1837. 

Our subject grew up almost without knowing 
what an education, in the sense in which it is now 
understood, was. The district schools, such as 
they were, were only conducted for a few months 
of each year, the distance to .school through the 
thinly settled neighborhoods was often great, and 
in the case of many of the pupils their services 
could seldom be spared from the necessary work 
of the farm. Edward Huber's education was of 
the most elementary description, and at the age 
of fifteen, with no other prospect before him, he 
decided to learn the blacksmith's trade. He 
worked at this business for eight years, and while 
thus employed found an opening for his inven- 
tive skill in the designing and manufacturing of 
numerous useful articles, the most important of 
which, a hay rake, was destined some time later 
to give him his first start toward financial success. 
Being thoroughly convinced of the merits of the 
rake, and feeling sure that if it could be manu- 
factured well and cheaply there was money in it, 
he began to prospect for a place suitable for a 
manufacturing site. Hearing that wood was 
plentiful in this county, he made a journey to this 
place in 1865, and while here was able to inter- 
est some parties with capital, with the result that 
in the same year a company was formed to man- 
ufacture the rake, and the firm of Kawalke, Ham- 
merle & Co. came into existence, with our sub- 
ject as junior partner. 

From the establishment of this concern our 
subject's success in life dates. The invention 



132 



PORTRAIT AND BlOGKArillCAL RECORD. 



proved a great boon to farmers, and before they 
ceased manufacturing it the firm sold more than 
two hundred thousand. In 1870 the firm became 
Huber, Gunn & Co., and continued thus until 
our subject organized the Huber Manufacturing 
Company, with a capital of 575.000. He had in 
the mean time invented and patented another 
valuable implement — a revolving road .scraper, 
which also met with a great sale. Indeed, one of 
the chief elements in his success is the fact that all 
the implements turned out by the different finns 
with which he is connected fill a want that noth- 
ing hitherto in the market has been able to. In 
18S0 he invented the Huber Threshing Machine 
and Engine, that has given him a reputation 
which extends throughout America, and made 
his name a household word among the farmers. 
It has proved the most profitable of all his inven- 
tions, and in order to facilitate its manufacture 
large new shops were erected in 1889. In this 
great establishment, as stated before, more than 
four hundred men are given employment, and the 
advantages accruing to the town from its location 
here are incalculable. In addition to being the 
head of the Huber Manufacturing Company, Mr. 
Huber is President of the Marion Steam Shovel 
Works, which aLso owe a great deal of their pros- 
perity to his fostering care. When H. M. Bani- 
hart invented the steam shovel, he had no means 
to build the first one, and thus demonstrate its 
capabilities, and in his extremity applied to Mr. 
Huber, who, with no mean professional jealousy, 
provided the capital to build the first machine. 
The article proved all that its inventor had hoped 
for, and when the Marion Steam Shovel Com- 
pany was organized, Mr. Huber took a large 
block of stock, and was made the President of a 
concern which has made all those who took shares 
in it rich. He was also the founder, and is the 
President, of the Marion Malleable Iron Works, is 
President and one of the founders of the Marion 
Automatic Boiler Feeder Company, President of 
the Marion Implement Company, is a Director in 
the Electric Light and Power Company, Vice-Pres- 
ident of the Marion Milling Company, and a Di- 
rector in a large bank of the town. In fact, there 
is hardly an enterprise of any importance what- 



t\ er in the place whiili has not felt the benefit of 
his intelligent appreciation of its individual needs, 
and of his forethought and judgment in discern- 
ing the proper policy to be pursued in its man- 
agement. His is the master mind which sets in 
motion and harmonizes the working parts of the 
manifold interests under his control, until each be- 
comes in its wa\' a perfect mechanism, bringing 
prosperity to all connected with it. 

In the town in which he has lived since 1865, 
the year in which was established the little shop 
out of which have sprung such great results, 
Mr. Huber is regarded as a man worthy of the 
highest confidence. A good man of business in 
all lines, the town has felt the benefit of his pro- 
gressive nature, and everything that he has done 
has been done with an eye single to the good of the 
place. F'illiug the position that he does, he is beset 
with trials that individuals in the ordinary walks 
of life know little about. His success or failure 
means the success or failure of the many beings 
to whom he furnishes employment, and the sense 
of responsibility that is produced by that fact 
would unfit most men for their work. But he 
.still keeps his clear brain and elastic nature, and, 
like Caesar, is still "looking for new worlds to 
conquer. ' ' 

On the 30th of October, 1865, Mr. Huber mar- 
ried Miss Elizabeth Hammerle, a lady who shares 
with her husband in the esteem and confidence 
of her acquaintances, and has helped him in the 
numberless ways in which a true woman helps 
tho.se who are near and dear to her. They have 
two children: Frank A., who is Treasurer of the 
Marion Steam Shovel Company; and Catherine, 
who married John Schroder, who manages the 
.shipping department and is purchasing clerk of 
the Huber Works. Mr. Huber has lately com- 
pleted what is considered the finest residence in 
this part of the state, and which was built at a 
cost of $40,000. Here he and his wife receive 
their guests with a tactful and genial courtesy 
and hospitality which render a visit to the charm- 
ing home a joy to be remembered. 

Mrs. Huber is an attendant at the Catholic 
Church. When the Voung Men's Christian As- 
sociation Building was in course of erection, Mr. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



133 



Huber, who has always taken a great interest in 
the work of the association, remembering his 
own early struggles and privations, was among 
the most liberal contributors to the fund. Though 
an exceedingly busy man, he still finds time to 
take an interest in politics, but holds himself in- 
dependent of party ties. 



+= 



---^ 



(Joshua COPELAND, M. D. Thlsvencr- 
I able physician of Marion County has been 
(2/ identified with its history for a long period, 
and has witnessed its growth and development. 
His life has been an honorable and useful one, 
and though now in the twilight of his years, he is 
still robust and hearty, with intellect unimpaired 
by the flight of time. He was born December 
27, 1817, on the site of the present city of Colum- 
biana, Ohio, and is the only surviving child of 
George and Rebecca (Dixon) Copeland, natives, 
respectively, of Loudoun County, Va., and Ches- 
ter County, Pa. 

The maternal grandparents of our subject, 
Joshua and Dinah Di.xon, moved from Peinisyl- 
vania to Ohio and settled where Columbiana now 
stands. There he entered a quarter-section of 
land for himself and each daughter, and a half 
section for each son, the entire tract lying in the 
midst of the woods. Later, when the increasing 
population of the locality warranted such an ac- 
tion, he platted lots and started a town, which he 
named Columbiana. It rapidly increa.sed in pop- 
ulation, and, being surrounded by a rich farming 
country, its importance as a commercial center 
has enjoyed a steady advance. The maternal 
grandparents had seven children, there being 
four sons and three daughters. 

Upon one hundred and sixty acres belonging 
to his wife, George Copeland settled and began 
the ta.sk of clearing the land. He built a cabin, 
in which he put down a puncheon floor and made 
a chimney of sticks and clay. Wolves, panthers 



and bears were numerous. After ten years he 
sold the farm for $10 per acre, and bought three 
hundred and sixty acres adjoining, for which he 
paid $4. Building a house, he moved his family 
into it, and with the assistance of his sons cleared 
the place. 

At the age of twenty-two our suliject .started 
out for himself, and for several years taught 
school several months every winter, working on 
a farm in the sunnner. Meantime he devoted his 
.spare time to the study of medicine, applying 
him.self closely to the profession for three years. 

In November, 1844, the young doctor bought 
some medicine and a few instruments, which he 
packed in a buggy, and willi an acquaintance 
started out in .search of a location. When they 
reached Waterford, Knox Cfmnty, the weather 
was rough and they .stopped all night in that 
small village. Learning that there were two 
physicians in that place, as well as many in the 
surrounding villages, our subject concluded his 
chances were poor there. However, he stopped 
three again November 1 1 , 1.S44, and remained four 
years. The fir.st week he made enough to pay 
his expenses, and his practice steadily increased, 
so that he was enabled to pay the $200 he owed 
on his medical education and have some money 
left. 

September 19, 1S47, Dr. Copeland married 
Lydia F. Walters, whcse brother Thomas had 
graduated from a medical .school a short time be- 
fore. The Doctor concluded to let him take his 
place at Waterford, and he removed to Rushsyl- 
vania, Logan County, a small village with three 
doctors, one of whom he bought out. In less 
than a year he had a large practice, and was in 
the front rank of his fraternity. During the epi- 
demic of cholera that raged in Logan County, he 
lost his wife and child, in August, 185 1. Soon 
afterward he dispo.sed of his property in Rushsyl- 
vania, and, going to Knox County, visited his 
wife's relatives for .some time, then went to Col- 
umbiana and remained with his parents for a few 
months. 

Returning in the .spring of 1852, Dr. Copeland 
spent a night with William Larue, the owner of 
a large farm where the village of Larue now 



«34 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



stands, and the founder of the town of that name. 
Three doctors were there, waiting for the village 
to grow. It h.id been our subject's intention to 
return to ColunilMana, but Mr. Larue urged him 
to .stop, and he linally con.seuted, though not 
feeling like business. In July an cj^idemic of 
flux arose. The other doctors failed to manage 
the cases successfully. Our subject was called 
in consultation to the house of Philip Rush, 
whose two daughters were ver>- low, and consent- 
ed, though reluctantly, to take charge of the cases. 
He stayed with his patients day and night, and 
finally sueceedeil in restoring them to health. 
This at once establi.shed his reputation, and his 
practice soon became extensive. In the covirse 
of a year his competitors retired from the field; 
but later others settled there, among them Dr. 
DeLong, a man of age and experience, and Dr. 
Wilkins. Larue is now a prosperous village, and 
though Marion, which has become an important 
railroad center, injures it to some extent, it is 
nevertheless a thriving place. The Doctor owns 
more than .seven hundred .acres in the neighbor- 
hood, the larger part of which has been cleared. 
In adilitiou to this property, he has given his 
children one hundred and eighty acres. 

Owing to ill health. Dr. Copeland sold his 
pr.actice to Dr. Shira, who still remains in Larue. 
He then nmvetl to a farm two miles from the vil- 
lage, on the Kenton gravel road, where he owns 
two hundreil and thirty-eight acres of first-class 
fanu land, having paid $i i ,850 for the place. He 
has erected a good house, a substantial barn and 
other buildings, and has established one of the 
most desirable homes in the township of Mont- 
gomery. After the death of his first wife he re- 
mained a widower about fifteen years, and then, 
Jaiuiary i, 1866, married Nancy Ann Hopkins, 
daughter of Robert and Nancy Hopkins, of Mar- 
ion County. They have three children. May, 
Lincoln Grant and Mary Alma. 

Dr. Copeland commencetl in practice with 547, 
which amount, in silver dollars and halt-dollars, 
was all he had on his arrival in Waterford. In- 
dustry, economy and prudence were the stars 
that lit his path, true honor and integrity his 
motto, and it is theretbre not strange that he has 



been successful. In his pruic-.sMon he made it 
his rule never to charge unreasonably nor to op- 
pres,s the poor. Many years ago he was thrown 
from his horse, his foot caught in the stirrup and 
he was dragged about twenty rods over frozen 
ground. Finally, his boot coming off, he was en- 
abled to release himself For two months after- 
ward he was unable to walk or bear any weight 
on that Rx)t, and has been more or less lame ever 
since, not having walked a step on that foot for 
two years or more. With the exception of con- 
tinual pain in the injured ankle he is in good 
health. 

For years Dr. Copeland has kept a record of 
the seasons and all important events, not only of 
general interest, but also those pertaining to his 
own life, making the book a valuable one for his 
pcisterity. It has been his experience that this 
life is measurably what we make it. We are 
the arbiters of our own fate to a very great ex- 
tent, and make our own luck generally. It is 
true that some seem to fall heir to more than they 
deserve, but dishonest gains frequently take wings 
and fly yway. 

Little mention has been made of the father of 
our .subject, and something concerning his life 
may be of interest. His parents died when he 
was a boy, and he was reared by John McClun, a 
neighbor, who afterward moved to Columbiana 
County, Ohio. He was a tanner, and carried on 
business at first on a small scale, but more exten- 
sively as he prospered. On reaching maturity 
he married Rebecca Dixon, and .settled upon the 
land given her by her father. As above stated, 
he afterwards dispiLsetl of this property and bought 
a tract adjoining it on the east. Of his ancestors 
little is known, except that they lived in Lou- 
doun County, Va., near some of the historic bat- 
tle sites of the Relx^llion. 

Dr. Copeland received a thorough medical ed- 
ucation, commencing the study of the profession 
under the direction of George L. Met/ger, of 
Columbiana, and later attendetl the College of 
Medicine and Surgery in Cincinnati, from which 
he was graduated. Later he was offered the pro- 
fessorship of luatcria niaiica, but refused, not 
feeling (inalifietl for the position. Politically he 



I'OR'IRAIT AND lUOfIRA I'HICA f. UKC'OKI). 



'^s 



is a Republican and has voted al every national 
election since attaininj( his majority, with one ex- 
ceiilion only. In November, 1K44, he cast his 
ballot for 1 lenry Clay for President. The rec- 
ord of Ills life is worthy of ciiinhition by the 
yonn}(, and will repay perusal on the jiarl of 
the old, for il shows how industry, ])ersever- 
ance, dc-leniiination and honesty brinj^ their re- 
ward in worldly success and in an enviable rep- 
utation for nobility and true vvoi tli (^f character. 



(TOHN FKTTKR, of Claridon Township, has 
I li\'ed in Marion County for over a cpiarter of 
(2/ a century. About 1870 he purchased a 
farm on section 32, and has since been en^a^ed 
industriously in its cultivation and development. 
He is a member of the Lutheran Church and 
always upholds worth)' religious and benevolent 
enterprises. 

A native of Germany, John Fetter was born 
and reared on a farm in that country, and there 
spent his early manhood. The date of his birth 
was October 15, 1817. When fifteen years of aj;e 
he bej^an working at the shoemaker's trade, and 
.served an apprenticeship of three years, during 
which time he received only his board in return 
for his services. According to the law of his na- 
tive land, he was in the army from the time he 
was twenty-one tnitil he was twenty-.six years of 
age. 

In 1867 our subject dc-terniined to try his fort- 
unes in America and embarked on the sailing- 
vessel "Caroline." For sixty-five days he was 
to.ssed to and fro on the briny deep, but eventual- 
ly reached his destination, New York City, in 
safety. Arriving in Marion County, he went to 
the county seat, and there worked at his trade 
for three years. As he was thrifty, he managed to 
lay aside a certain portion of his earnings, which 
he invested in a farm in Claridon Township about 
1870. For the succeeding twelve years he toiled 
unreniittin^ls' to bring the ]>l,'ice uuficr better cid- 



tivation, and snci cc ded in becoming well-to-do. 
His present liomeslead is ;i j)laec of forty-four 
acres, on which stand good buildings ami other 
.substantial im])rovcinents. 

Ai)ril 5, i8|,|, Mr. I'etter married I'.li/alxlli 
Linden, by whom lie has had five children, all 
sons, and named as lollows: Martin, John, Mich- 
ael, Henry and I'eli r. They are .all living and 
are useful citizens in the communities where they 
make their homes. The fiiithful wife and mother 
was called to lln- silcnl l:ind in 1882, and was 
I)laced to rest in tiie Knilicran Cemetery of Rich- 
Irind Township. 

In liis religious faith Mr. h'etter is a Lutheran, 
as were his forefathers for many generations. He 
is an acli\'e member of tlie local church and a lib- 
eral contributor to its e.\])enses. Politically he 
has nseil his ballot in favor of the democratic 
party ever since becoming a voter. 



*ySAAC SLAniJv I'.inning and stock-rais- 
I ing ha\e formed the ]iiinci]>al occui)atioji of 
Ji this gentleni.in, and the energetic manner in 
which lie has taken advantage of every method 
lending toward the advanced value of his i)rop- 
crty hiis contributed materially to his success in 
life. In addition to raising tlie various cereals, 
he has a large number of cattle, slieej) and lujgs 
(jn his ])lace, and is considered an authority on 
the .subject of .stock-raising. His farm is Icjcated 
on sections 12 and 13, Pleasant Township, and is 
justl\- counted among the best estates in the 
county. 

In ICagle Township, Ross County, Ohio, the 
subject of this sketch was born Jantiary 11, 1850. 
He is the son of Francis H. and Nancy f Comer j 
Slagle, natives respectively ofVirginia and North 
Carolina, of whom mention is made upon another 
page. When about three years of age he was 
brought by his parents to Hardin County, and 



136 



PORTRAIT AND RIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



here he grew to manhood, spending his sumuKrs 
in farm work and the winter months in attend- 
ance at the Greenwood School, one-half mile 
south. After arriving at his majority he began 
to farm his father's place upon shares, continu- 
ing thus engaged for three years. 

Ivstablishing domestic ties, Mr. .Slagle after- 
ward engaged in cultivating a quarter of .section 
12, belonging to his father. The latter in 1870 
presented him with a forty-acre tract, to which, 
by purchase, he added a similar amount, and 
later bought the remaining eighty acres of the 
southwest quarter of section 12. In April, 1892, 
he purchased forty acres of the Comer homestead, 
which adjoined his property on section 12. This 
property, through his energetic, capable efforts, 
has been brought under a high state of cultiva- 
tion, and contains all the improvements of a model 
estate. 

In Plea.sant Township, August 20, 1874, Mr. 
Slagle was united in marriage with Mi.ss Maria 
Charlton, who.se birth occurred in this township, 
April 27, 1854. For her ancestral hi.story the 
reader is referred to the biography of Henry 
Charlton, presented elsewhere in this volume. 
Mrs. Slagle received excellent educational advan- 
tages in her girlhood, and attended the Liberty dis- 
trict school until about eighteen. Under the wise 
training of her mother she was fitted for the su- 
pervision of a home of her own, and was prepared 
to fill a position of usefulness in .society. Four 
children have blessed her marriage, of whom the 
eldest, Ida and Eva, are twins. The former re- 
sides with her parents; the latter was married, 
March 29, 1894, to Charles Gay, a farmer resid- 
ing in this locality. The other children are El- 
mira and Hurley, the latter a student in the 
Greenwood School. 

In their religious coiniections Mr. and Mrs. 
Slagle are devoted members of the Plea.sant Grove 
Methodist Church, with which their children 
are aLso identified, and in which he has ren- 
dered faithful service as Class-leader. His con- 
victions throughout life have always been on the 
side of the protection of home industry, and in 
consefjuence we find him favoring Republican 
principles. However, being a man of strong 



temperance sentiments, and believing the whiskey 
traffic the greatest curse of our country, he has 
at times voted the Prohibition ticket, and in prin- 
ciple alwajs favors that cause. 



^>^^m 



(TOHN F. GRAY. This gentleman, who is 
I one of the well-to-do agriculturists of Big Is- 
Qj land Township, Marion County, has been a 
resident of this section since his marriage, which 
occurred in 1866. He has always followed the 
occupation of a farmer, and .since his early years 
has had a knowledge of that industry. He was 
born October 28, 1834, in Marion County, to 
George and Mary Jane (Barr) Gray. 

The father of our subject was born May 18, 
1806, in Susse.^c County, Del. He was fairly 
well educated, and upon commencing in life for 
himself cho.se the occupation of carpentering, 
which he followed with success. He died Decem- 
ber 29, 1880, at Scott Town, Ohio, aged .seventy- 
four years. He was very prominent in the Buck- 
ej^e State, and in politics was an old-time Demo- 
crat. In 1835 he was chosen A.ssociate Judge by 
the Legislature of Ohio, and afterward filled the 
office of Justice of the Peace acceptably in Grand 
Town.ship, this county. In 1858 he was ap- 
pointed Po.stma.ster of Cochranton, and two years 
thereafter was elected Probate Judge of Marion 
County, being re-elected to the latter office at the 
expiration of his term. His great popularity is 
shown by the fact that he was called upon to 
serve the people of the city of Marion as Mayor, 
but shortly after being in.stalled in the office re- 
signed and retired to private life. 

Mrs. Mary Jane Gray was born in Sussex 
County, Del., October 29, 1809. and married 
George Gray February 13, 1827. To them were 
born seven children, namely: William Henry, 
born January 31, 1828; David B. , October 15, 
1829; James K., April 16, 1831; John F. , October 
28, 1834; Sarah K., July 29, 1838; Amos, April 
23, 1841; and Mary A., July 25, 1S43. Of these 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



137 



only four besides our subject are living, James, 
Amos, Sarah and Mary. 

Grandfather Frazer Gra}- was born in the state 
of New Jersey, July 26, 1761. When young he 
was taken by his parents on their removal into 
Sussex County, Del., where his boyhood days 
were spent on a farm. Upon attaining his eight- 
eenth jear he volunteered as a soldier in the Rev- 
olutionary War, ser\'ing as one of the "Blue 
Hen's Chickens" until the close of the conflict. 
Although a private during his army life, he was 
associated with one event of particular note in the 
history of that period, and one personal incident 
of more than ordinary interest. He was with his 
regiment on the Hudson River at the time Major 
Andre was captured, and to him was assigned the 
duty of aiding in guarding that noted man, and 
when he was hung he stood near the gallows. 
The following is a statement of the occurrence: 
Andre was well and neatly dressed, was polite 
and courteous in his manner, never betraying the 
least emotion. When on the scaffold he made a 
thrilling speech, full of loyalty to his king, and 
denying all intention of acting the role of spy. 
He claimed that under the circum.stances he 
ought not to be hung. A soldier's death by 
.shooting should be ordered, and as this, his last 
appeal, met w'ith no response, he turned to the 
officer nearest him with a .smile on his face, and 
signified his readiness to die in any wa}^ for his 
king and country. 

The grandfather of our subject was personally 
acquainted with General Washington. The fol- 
lowing incident in this connection is related by 
him: " A few of the ' Blue Hen's Chickens,' my- 
self among the number, had been given leave of 
absence to go out of the lines chestnutting one 
Sunday. While thus engaged, Washington and 
his orderly rode near us, and the General called 
me to him. ' What are you doing here ?' he asked. 
'Gathering some nuts bj' permission,' I replied. 
The General answered, ' It is right then, but re- 
member that green nuts are very unwholesome; 
so be careful not to eat too many of them , for we 
cannot .spare any Delaware men, ' and with a mil- 
itary salute he rode awa3^" Frazer Gray de- 
parted this life October 9, 1S49, at the age of 



eighty-eight years. But little is known of the 
early hi.story of our subject's mother, other than 
that her parents died when she was quite young, 
and that .she was reared by her grandparents. 

The original of this sketch was married in Ma- 
rion County, Ohio, May 31, 1866. The maiden 
nameofliis wife was Almedid Ellen Riley. Her 
parents were of Irish descent, and were classed 
among the sub.stantial residents of Marion Coun- 
ty, in which section they owned a valualile tract 
of land. 

To our subject and his estimable wife were 
born six children, of whom those living are, 
David, Robert, Cora A. and lulmund L. David 
married Miss Flora Heiner. The sons and daugh- 
ter of our subject are all well educated, Robert 
and Cora having attended s:^hool at Ada, Ohio, 
and Valparai.so, Ind. 

Mrs. Gray departed this life February 24, 
1888. She was a woman greatly esteemed, and 
was a valued member of the Swedenborgian 
Church, to which body her husband also be- 
longed. In politics he is a stanch supporter of 
Democratic principles. 



:£)#C^ 



0IJVER MONNETTE. That our subject is 
one of the shrewdest and most intelligent 
agriculturists of Crawford County is shown 
by the success which has crowned his efforts, for 
he is now one of the wealthiest residents within 
its boundaries. He is a man of much practical 
business talent and financial ability, and by the 
judicious investment of money has accunuilated a 
handsome property, his estate embracing fourteen 
hundred acres, lying in Crawford and Marion 
Counties. Mr. Monnette resides in the former 
count}', just across the line, and occupies a most 
beautiful residence, bearing all the modern con- 
veniences and furnished in a manner which indi- 
cates that the occupants are people of means and 
refined tastes. 

Our subject was born August 12, 1840, in 
Scott Township, Marion County, and was the 



138 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



third child in the family of Abraham and Cather- 
ine (Browker) Monnette, which comprised twelve 
children. Ephraim B., the eldest, is now a re- 
tired farmer and prominent resident of Bucyrus, 
this state; Martha is the wife of G. H. Wright, 
of Marion; Oliver was the next-born; John T. is 
a merchant and farmer of this county; Elsie mar- 
ried J. H. Malcomb, of Bucyrus, Crawford Coun- 
ty, where her husband is a prominent farmer and 
stock-raiser; Edward is engaged in the stock busi- 
ness on the Kansas and Colorado line, and also 
has mining interests in that section; Mer\in J. 
is President of the Second National Bank of Bu- 
cyrus; Mary Jane married J. G. Hull, of Findlay, 
this state; Melviu and Madison are twins, the 
former a prominent farmer and stockman of Scott 
Township, this county, and the latter engaged in 
the mercantile business at Grand Rapids, Mich. ; 
Mina is the wife of J. C. Tobias, Judge of the 
Probate Court of Bucyrus and a prominent at- 
torney; and Catherine married Linus H. Ross, 
an agriculturist of Crawford County. 

Abraham Monnette was born in West Virginia, 
October 12, 18 n, and was two years of age when 
his parents, Jeremiah and Elsie Monnette, brought 
him to this state and located in Pickaway Coun- 
ty. He was there reared on a farm, and on reach- 
ing his majority came to Marion County and en- 
tered land in Scott Township. On this his first 
work was to erect a log cabin, after which he be- 
gan to clear and improve the land. The tract 
contained one hundred and sixty acres, and to it 
Mr. Monnette added until at one time he was the 
possessor of over eight thousand acres. He was 
also a large stockholder in the Farmers' Bank of 
Marion. He started out in life a poor boy, and 
by degrees worked his way up to be one of the 
wealthiest residents of this portion of Ohio. His 
death occurred in Bucyrus, March 19, 188 1, when 
about seventy years of age. He was a devoted 
member of the Methodist Epi.scopal Church, and 
in his political relations was a stanch advocate of 
Republican principles. He was in no sense of 
the term a politician, and his large and varied in- 
terests occupied his entire time and attention. 
Although frequently .solicited to become an office- 
holder, he finnlv refused to do so. 



The paternal grandparents of Oliver Monnette 
were born in France, and came to America when 
young, becoming pioneers of Pickawaj' County, 
Ohio. The grandfather was a minister of the 
Methodist Church, and became widely known in 
this locality for the work which lie accomplished 
in converting men to the faith of that denomina- 
tion. 

Mrs. Catherine Monnette, our subject's mother, 
was born in Pickaway Countj-, this .state, No- 
vember 7, 1815, to Conrad and Catherine Brow- 
ker, who were of German descent, but natives of 
Bucks County, Pa. The mother died on the old 
homestead in Marion County, February 8, 1875. 
She, too, was a member of the Methodi.st Church, 
and conscientiously lived up to what she believed 
to be right. 

Abraham Monnette married for his second wife 
Jane L. Johnson, who now resides in Bucyrus. 
The early life of our subject was pa.ssed on his fa- 
ther's farm in Scott Township, in the vicinity of 
which he attended school. Later he became a 
.student in the high school of Bucyrus, and on 
completing his educatioh began life for himself 
by farming the estate which he purchased at that 
time from his father, and which is now included 
in his vast possessions. He began its operation 
prior to his marriage, and, being some distance 
from home, boarded with a neighbor until taking 
unto himself a wife. This event occurred August 
15, 1867, when Miss Etta Rayner, of Crawford 
County, became his wife. To them have been 
born five children, viz.: Loran H., unmarried, 
and engaged as a fanner and stockman of this 
section; Dimma, who died when twenty years of 
age; Millie, the %vife of James M. Hamilton, of 
this county; Charles A., who is now teller in the 
bank at Bucyrus in which his grandfather was 
one of the largest stockholders; and Emma L-, 
at home with her parents. 

Our subject, like his fatlier l)(.fore him, is a 
stanch Republican in politics, althougli he takes 
no part in political affairs. At one time, how- 
ever, he was prevailed ui)on to serve as a mem- 
ber of the School Board, and during his incum- 
bency of the office rendered valuable service. 

Oliver Monnette began life with the two hun- 




IK >N A. \V. MlNSdN, .M I) 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



141 



dred and thirty acre farm which he had purchased 
from his father. He found agriculture to be a 
very paying business, and, possessing good judg- 
ment in conducting his affairs, added to his 
acreage, until now he is one of the largest land- 
owners in the state, having under his control over 
fourteen hundred acres. His farm is one of the 
best in point of cultivation and richness of soil, 
and its owner therefore reaps a handsome income 
each year from the sale of cereals and stock, which 
he raises in large quantities. Although not a 
member of any church, Mr. Monnette is liberal 
in aiding the various denominations in his neigh- 
borhood. He is an influence for good in the 
community where he has spent so many years of 
his life, and all of his deeds and acts are guided 
by the highest principles of right. 



f^ie^er-3(e«»^is-3ie-Sie^$Sie-3ie 



GlUGUSTUS W. MUNSON, M. D., of Ken- 
Ll ton, was born in Chenango County, N. Y., 
I I November 2, 18 19, and is the eldest of a 
family of eight children. The first of the name 
to come to America was Capt. Thomas Munson, 
who, about 1640, emigrated from the Highlands 
of Scotland and settled near the present limits of 
the city of New Haven, Conn. There Wilmot 
Munson, grandfather of the Doctor, was born in 
1752, and thence, in 1774, he moved to the Wyo- 
ming Valley in Pennsj'lvania. His family was 
among the few that escaped in the Indian mas- 
.sacre there in 1778. He entered the Colonial 
army and gave his country' valiant .service during 
the Revolutionary War. 

In the Wyoming Valley Wilmot Munson, Jr., 
father of our subject, was born in 1797, being the 
youngest of four brothers, and he aLso had several 
sisters. Rachel, the eldest, was born in 1781. 
Mishael, born in 1783, was married in 1801 to 
Sarah Cone, and in 1806 moved to Marietta, 
Ohio, but three years later settled in Delaware 
County. He died in the West in 1863. For 
many years he was a minister of the Methodist 



Church. Almira became the wife of Cephas Cone 
in 1803, moved to Marietta in i8o6, and afterward 
went to Delaware County, where her husband 
died in 1852, leaving two children, Luther and 
John. By her .second marriage, which united her 
with Abraham Foust, she had two children, Al- 
mira and Wilson. Her descendants still live in 
Delaware County. The next in order of birth, 
Vasta, was born in 1789, and married William 
B. Tillotson in Chenango County, N. Y. She 
later moved to Fremont, Ohio, where she died in 
1853. She had several children, but little is 
known concerning their history. Nicanor, the 
next member of the family circle, was born in 
1791. Catharine was born in 1793, but nothing 
is known concerning her. In 1812 the father of 
Dr. Munson emigrated with his parents to Che- 
nango County, N. Y., and at the age of fifteen 
entered the War of 1812 as a substitute for an 
older brother, serving until the close of the con- 
flict. 

October 6, 1818, Wilmot Munson married Eliz- 
abeth Salisburj-, who was born in Brattleboro, 
Vt., about 1801, and about 1812 moved with her 
father's family to Chenango County, N. Y. The 
Doctor was the eldest child born to her marriage. 
Henry, the next younger, was born February 13, 
1821. He came to Ohio with the family and en- 
gaged as a dealer in live-stock in the village of 
Wyandot, where he died. Jonathan S. was born 
October 18, 1823, went West, and has not been 
heard of since. Ambrosia, born February 22, 
1825, married a Mr. Rockwell, and they lived in 
the West until his death, since which time she 
has made her home in the northern part of Har- 
din County. Christopher C. was born April 17, 
1829, and died in Waldo, Delaware County, Ohio. 
Anna J., who was born June 13, 1831, in Delaware 
County, died in infancy. Elizabeth, whose birth 
occurred October 4, 1837, in Hardin County, 
married John Copeland, and is a resident of Har- 
din County. Rachel, born May 4, 1840, was mar- 
ried to George Spracklin, and lives in Hepburn, 
Hardin County. 

In 1829 the family left Chenango County for 
the wilds of Ohio, making the trip in a two- 
horse wagon, and taking all of their household 



142 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



effects with them. The Doctor was then ten 
years of age, and his brother Christopher was but 
a few months old. On the evening of July 4, 
1829, they pitched their camp in Sharon Town- 
ship, Richland County, where they remained for 
two years. The father then bought a small tract 
of land in the then wilderness, and after two years 
spent there he took the family to Newville, in the 
southern part of Richland County, where he 
taught school for one year in order to support 
them. In 1832 he went to the little village of 
Waldo, Delaware (now Marion) County, where 
in a small way he engaged in the manufacture of 
potash, continuing thus engaged luitil 1838. He 
then traded his \illage property for one hundred 
and twenty acres lying in the northern part of 
Hardin County. To this unimproved tract, in 
the midst of the wilderness, he brought his fam- 
ily, moving into a log cabin. The latter was 
without a floor, and had openings for a door and 
window, and a place for a chimnej', but no chim- 
ney. In the fall of 1839 he taught the first 
school in the township. November 25, 1839, he 
was elected Justice of the Peace, being the second 
incumbent of that office in the township. 

A man of considerable natural ability and with 
an education superior to that of other pioneers of 
his section, Mr. Munson was looked upon not 
only as a leader, teacher and Justice, but also as 
a legal adviser, in which latter line he did an ex- 
tensive business. After improving the farm, he 
sold it and purchased a place near Kenton, but 
afterward settled on a valuable estate six miles 
north of this place, where he died May 9, 1887, 
at the age of ninety j-ears. His first wife, our 
subject's mother, died April 3, 1864, and he 
afterward married Eliza Yauger, who is now 
living on the old home place. 

At the time of coming to Ohio, Dr. Munson 
was ten years old. His early advantages for ac- 
quiring an education were very meager, being 
confined principally to the in.struction received 
under his father's direction. When fourteen he 
became clerk in a store at Newville, but after the 
removal of the family to Waldo he made up his 
mind to follow them, and .started out on foot, in 
which way he made the trip, a distance of forty- 



two miles, much of it through a dense forest. On 
arriving at his destination, he assisted his father 
in the manufacture of potash, and also attended 
school. Receiving a certificate in 1S38, he taught 
one term of .school, and in the winter of 1838-39 
he assisted his father in clearing his newly pur- 
cha.sed farm in Hardin County. 

In May, 1839, Dr. Munson left home on foot 
for Delaware County, where, with the assistance 
of his uncle, he purchased a scythe and snath, 
and proceeding to the northern part of Marion 
County, he was able to command seventy-five 
cents per daj- cutting hay. In the fall of the 
same 3'ear he secured a school in that neighbor- 
hood, and taught during the winter of 1839-40. 
There he met Mi.ss Maria McMullen, a widow's 
daughter, whom he married in April, 1840, and 
who for more than fifty -four years was his de- 
voted and cherished helpmate. She was a most 
exemplarj' member of the Presbyterian Church, 
and her death, September 30, 1H94, was mourned 
by all who knew her. 

Four children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Mini- 
son. Amanda M., whose birth occurred Decem- 
ber 2f), 1840, married Hale Salisbury, and died 
April 6, 1888; her husband is also deceased. 
Their only child, Carrie, was born November 1 1 , 
1882, and makes her home with Dr. Munson. 
Aura A., who was born in Marseilles, December 
27, 1843, died in Kenton, August 14, 1863. 
Henrj' C, who was born in Wyandot in Decem- 
ber, 1846, died in infancy. LeRoy D., born De- 
cember 30, 1854, is a graduate of Columbus Med- 
ical College and a practicing physician of West 
Mansfield, Ohio. He married Miss Estella Hunt, 
of Cleveland, and they have two cliihlren, Wil- 
mot and Clare. 

After his marriage, Dr. Munson cultivated his 
mother-in-law's farm for one season, and in the 
winter of 1840-41 taught a school near Bucyrus. 
Meantime his .spare moments were devoted to the 
.study of medicine. In the summer of 1841 he re- 
turned to Hardin County, built a cabin on his fa- 
ther's farm, and assisted in the cultivation of the 
home place, at the same time carrying on his 
studies. In the winter of 1841-42 he taught 
school in Marion County, and in the spring of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



143 



1842 moved with his family to Marseilles. There 
he studied with Dr. Ferris, and also taught a 
summer school. He continued to teach and .study 
until the sunmier of 1844, when he entered the 
office of Dr. Leighton, in Kenton, and in the fall 
moved his family to the village of Wyandot, 
where he taught school and began the practice of 
his profession. In the fall of 1849 he attended 
lectures at the Cleveland Medical College, and in 
the spring of 1850 he located at Kenton and en- 
gaged in the practice of medicine with his former 
preceptor. Dr. L,eighton. He was graduated from 
the Cleveland Medical College in 1853, and the 
following year opened an office in Kenton on his 
own account. In 1859 he started a drug store, 
and in i860 took in as partner J. N. McCoy. 

At the breaking out of the war, in 1861, Dr. 
Munson became Assistant Surgeon of the Eighty- 
.second Ohio Infantry, and served in that capac- 
ity until 1863, when he became disabled and re- 
signed, returning to Kenton and resuming prac- 
tice. In March, 1865, he again entered the mili- 
tary service, serv-ing as Surgeon of the One Hun- 
dred and Eighty-eighth Ohio Infantry until the 
close of the war. From that time until a recent 
date he has carried on an extensive practice, but 
is now retired from professional work. 

In 1850 Dr. Munson was in.strumental in or- 
ganizing the first medical society in Hardin Coun- 
ty. In 1857 he became a member of the Ohio 
Medical Society, and in the same year repre- 
sented the local society' in the state meeting. In 
1856 he joined the American Medical As.socia- 
tion, and the same year represented the county .so- 
ciety in the national convention in Detroit. He 
performed a similar duty at Nashville in 1857, at 
Cincinnati in 1867, and at Philadelphia in 1872. 
In 1870 he identified himself with the Northwest- 
ern Ohio Medical Society, and at its meeting at 
Kenton in 1870 he was selected to deliver the 
address of welcome. Upon the subject of the 
practice of medicine he has written con.siderable. 
In 1868 he aided in the organization of the Har- 
din County Pioneer A.ssociation, was its first Sec- 
retary, and with the exception of one year, when 
he was President, has been its Secretary' since the 
date of its organization. 



In the politics of Hardin County the Doctor 
has been an important factor for many j-ears. As 
early as 1840, when but twenty-one years old, he 
took an active part in the Whig campaign, and 
cast his first Presidential ballot for William Henry 
Harrison. In 1856 he cast in his lot with the 
new and then untried Republican party, and has 
been a stanch advocate of its principles ever since. 
Under President Pierce he was Postmaster in Wy- 
andot. In 1882 he was elected Ma^'or of Kenton, 
being the .second Republican elected to the office. 
In 1873 he was chosen to represent this district in 
the Legislature, and in that position acquitted 
himself with credit, introducing several import- 
ant bills that became laws, and otherwise pro- 
moting the welfare of his constituents. 

Though now past threescore and ten \'ears of 
age. Dr. Munson retains the symmetry of figure 
characteristic of his youthful years. He is tall 
and erect, of commanding appearance and stal- 
wart frame, a man whose phy.sique and mental 
capacity might well be envied by men twenty 
years his junior. 



(Jacob SLAGLE is one of the old .settlers of 
I Marion County, where he has made his home 
v2/ for fifty-five years. In 1840 he moved to the 
portion of the farm which he yet cultivates, and 
which is situated on section 17, Scott Township. 
He has been a witness of vast changes in this sec- 
tion, and has a.ssistednot a little in its prosperity 
and development. 

Jacob Slagle was born in Maryland, near Ft. 
Cumberland, April 8, 1811, andisason of Joseph 
and Margaret Slagle, who were of German and 
French descent, respectively. The latter died at 
the home of our subject, September 12, 1863, 
aged eighty- one years, one month and seven 
days. With his four brothers and three sisters 
our subject passed his happy childhood days on 



144 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



his father's farm, and when he was a lad of ten 
j-ears he emigrated with his parents to Pickaway 
County, Ohio, where he dwelt for the next five 
years. He then went to Hocking County, where 
he grew to man's estate. On reaching his major- 
ity he began to ' ' paddle his own canoe ' ' by work- 
ing as a farm hand, and the verj- first month of 
his labor in this direction he received his board 
and 510, this being a large sum for those days. 
He was so well liked by his employer that he re- 
mained in his ser\-ice until 1840, when he left of 
his own accord. His first purchase of land was 
a farm of sixty acres, part oi his present home- 
stead of one hundred and sixty-five acres. On 
this place, which is one of the most valuable in 
this section, he has made all of the improvements 
himself. As was the custom of the pioneers, his 
first home was constructed of logs, the cabin be- 
ing 18x20 feet in size and comprising only one 
room. This was his dwelling for several years, 
but in time it was supplanted by a more modem 
and convenient residence. 

Mr. Slagle has been twice married, his first 
union occurring in 1835, and the lady of his 
choice being a Miss Annie Linten, by whom he 
had three children, Isaac B., Andrew and Ja- 
cob. Andrew is a well-to-do farmer of Morrow 
County, Ohio. The lady who now bears our 
subject'sname became his wife October 17, 1841. 
She was a Miss Dina Zuck, and was bom August 
26, 18 1 8, in Ross County, Ohio. When fourteen 
years of age she removed with her parents to this 
county, where her father had purchased a piece 
of Govemment land and placed thereon a log 
cabin. Eight children came to bless Mr. Slagle's 
second marriage, namely: John, Jo.seph, Thomas, 
Margaret, We.sley, Lydia J., and two who died in 
infancy. Lydia J. is the wife of John Owings, 
and now resides on the old homestead. Their 
family numbers five living children, two having 
died in infancy. Those living are, Eva Idell, 
Lula Edith, Blanche Elizabeth, Alonzo Milo and 
Harley Elma, and all but the youngest are attend- 
ing .school. Joseph and Wesley are also deceased. 

Mr. and Mrs. Slagle have always been kind and 
affectionate parents to tlieir children, and good 
neighbors in the community, having the respect 



and esteem of all who know them. They have 
long been earnest and zealous workers in the 
Methodist Church, to which they belong. Po- 
litically the former was first a Whig and is now a 
Republican. His first ballot was in favor of 
Henry Clay. He obtained his education in the 
old-fashioned subscription .schools, and often had 
to walk a distance of three and a-half miles to and 
from school each day. He is a gentleman who 
possesses a large fund of general information and 
his anecdotes of pioneer life make him a ver>' en- 
tertaining conversationalist. 



QOHN T. MERCHANT, whose death occurred 
I January 28, 1894, was a prominent citizen of 
(2/ Marion Township, Marion County. In poli- 
tics he was a Republican, and at various times 
held the offices of Trustee, Supervisor, School 
Director, etc. He was verj- generous and liberal 
in his disposition, and many a person has profited 
by his kindness and openness of heart. He was 
a member of the Masonic order, and at his demise 
the local lodges took charge of the funeral serv- 
ices. He was placed to rest in the Marion Ceme- 
ter>-. 

Our suliject came of an old and honorable Vir- 
ginian family, his parents being Isaac A. and 
Nellie (McCarty) Merchant, whose family num- 
bered five sons and five daughters. He contin- 
ued to dwell in his native state until he was nine- 
teen years of age, when he went to Cincinnati, and 
for a short time worked in a paper-mill. After- 
ward he found employment on a farm, but at last 
secured a p)ermanent position on the river, and 
thus .spent his time until 1S35. At that time he 
started for Marion Count}' on foot. He soon 
wore out his shoes, however, and was obliged to 
go barefooted a large portion of the way, al- 
though accommodating farmers and teamsters 
gave him a lift now and then. For a couple of 
years he worked on a farm in Salt Rock Town- 
ship, and then rented land for two years. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



'45 



Mr. Merchant later rented a farm in Marion 
Township, and at tlie end of three years bought a 
tract of eighty acres, to which he added other 
land in time. He owned three farms prior to his 
removal to the homestead where his widow now 
resides. Here he took up his abodein the spring 
of i860, and engaged in the cultivation of the 
place until he was called from his labors. The 
farm, which is just outside the corporation limits 
of Marion, comprises two hundred and five acres. 
When he had made a start in life, Mr. Merchant 
returned to his old Virginian home and brought 
back with him his parents, who settled in Seneca 
County. 

In 1838 John T. Merchant wedded Rebecca A. 
Gruber, by whom he had six children, as follows: 
Ann, Mrs. George Carhart; Eliza E., Mrs. W. 
R. Burr, whose husband is a farmer of Carding- 
toii Township; I.saac A., who is a retired farmer 
living in Marion; Christian B., a farmer of this 
township; Jay T., also an agriculturist of this 
towu.ship; and John A., who died in infancy. 
His first wife having died, Mr. Merchant was mar- 
ried, November 31, 1875, to Salome Ulsh, who 
was born in this township, March 22, 1845. Her 
father, Jacob A., was a native of Penn.sylvania, 
born August 5, 1795, and was of German de- 
scent. His wife, I^ydia, who before her marriage 
was a Miss Collins, was al-soborn in the Key,stone 
State. They had fifteen children, namely ; Jacob, 
deceased; Joseph, who died August 27, 1824; 
Henry, who died April 7, 1861; Ann, who died 
July 9, 1885; Andrew, who died February 8, 
1879; John, who died February 12, 1862; Eliza- 
beth, who died November 26, 1865; Isaac, who 
died August 19, 1836; Susan, who died Septem- 
ber 30, 1845; George, who is a farmer of Brown 
County, Kan.; Fannie, widow of Rolonder May; 
Abraham, who died October 7, 1852; Nancy, who 
died April 9, 1869; Francis, who with his brother 
John died in the service; and Mrs. Merchant, the 
youngest in the family. F'rancis and John were 
members of the Ninety -sixth and One Hundred 
and Twenty-first Ohio Regiments, respectively. 
Jacob Ulsh, the father of this family, was a farmer 
throughout life. He lived in Pennsylvania until 
1822, when he started for this county by team. 



Arriving in this township, he took up eighty 
acres of Government land at $1.25 per acre, and, 
having erected a log cabin of two rooms, contin- 
ued to dwell there for a few years. The Indians 
were numerous when he came to this vicinity. 
Marion contained but three or four log houses, 
and he was obliged tcj do his trading at Colum- 
bus, though he hauled his grain to Sandusky. 
He gave a piece of his old farm to the vSchool 
Tru.stees, who placed thereon a log-cabin school - 
hou.se. He was Township Supervisor and Trus- 
tee, and was active in all local enterprises. In 
1S46, a year and a-half after the death of his first 
wife, he married his second wife, Elizabeth Gru- 
ber, who died November 19, 1880. At the time 
of his death, which occurred October 27, 1873, 
he was a Republican. In the United Brethren 
Church he was a great worker. 

Four children were born to the marriage of 
John T. Merchant and wife, Salome, namely: 
Jacob, October 20, 1876; IdaF., March 29, 1878; 
Betty B., September 11, 1879; and Thomas E., 
August 21, 1883. 



Hj^z. 



Z-f 



y yi ILTON B. DICKERSON, President of the 
y City Council of Marion, is also General 
(9 Agent of the New York, Lake Erie & 
Western Railroad Company, and holds the same 
position with the New York, Peinisylvania & 
Ohio Railroad Company. He is a man who 
brings to the details of his business a thorough 
experience, and so generally esteemed is he, that 
these few lines will find many interested readers. 
Mr. Dickerson is a native of this city, and was 
born April 19, 1855. His father, Theodore H, 
Dickerson, was a native of New Jersey, where 
for many years he combined his profession of a 
dentist with the business of a jeweler. He came 
to Marion in 1853, and was living hereon the out- 
break of the Civil War. He immediately volun- 



146 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



teered his services in defense of the Union, and 
went to the front as a member of Compan}' H, 
Fourth Ohio Infantry, as a private. For three 
years he endured all the hardships of a soldier's 
life, and upon receiving his honorable discharge 
was mustered out with the title of First Lieuten- 
ant. He again engaged in business in Marion, 
where he remained until 1888, when he retired 
and moved to Galion with his son. He returned 
to Marion, however, in 1890. His death occurred 
in that year, at which time he was sixty-three 
years of age. The father of this gentleman, the 
grandfather of our subject, by name Joseph Dick- 
ersou, was a man of prominence in New Jersey, 
of which state he was also a native, and at one 
time was a member of the Legi.slature. 

Mrs. Eliza C. Walker, the mother of our sub- 
ject, was the daughter of Col. Thomas H. and 
Eliza Walker. Her father was for thirty years 
Registrar of the Iowa Land Office, and was prom- 
inent in local affairs. Mrs. Dickerson was de- 
prived of the care of her mother when quite 
young, and, being taken into the home of Hon. 
John Bartram, of Marion, was there reared to 
mature years. During the later years of her life 
she was an active member of the Woman's Relief 
Association, and worshiped with the Presbyterian 
Church. Her death occurred in i8gi, when fif- 
tj'-three years of age. Her brother, Milton Walk- 
er, was Captain of a company during the Civil 
War, being in the service for four years. He 
later became prominent in Democratic circles, both 
in Iowa and Kansas, where he resided. 

Milton B. Dickerson was the only member of 
his parents' household. He was given a good 
education, and during 1870 and 1871 was Page 
in the Ohio State Senate. In July of the latter 
year he entered the employ of McM array & Fish- 
er, the renowned sulky manufacturers of Marion, 
where he served his apprenticeship at blacksmith- 
ing, following that business in various cities of 
the United States until 1880. That year we find 
him en route for Colorado, where he began min- 
ing in company with Wiliiam E. Moore, of Ma- 
rion, Ohio. This connection lasted for three 
years, when Mr. Dickerson returned to Marion, 
and soon thereafter was appointed Baggagemas- 



ter on the New York, Lake Erie & Western Road. 
Three years later he was taken into the oflSce, 
and in 1888 was transferred to Galion, this state, 
where he was made agent of the company. He 
proved a very valuable man to the corporation, 
and in 1890 he received the appointment of Gen- 
eral Agent for the two roads mentioned in our 
opening paragraph. He is .stationed at Marion, 
this being the most important point on the entire 
line of road, running between Chicago and New 
York. He has under his control a large force of 
men in the different departments, and being a 
thorough and experienced railroad man, he is 
well qualified for this important position, and dis- 
charges the duties thereof in a most satisfactory 
manner to his employers. As we have stated, he ' 
began at the bottom round of the ladder, and 
year by year saw him promoted until he now oc- 
cupies one of the most responsible positions with- 
in the power of the company to bestow on any 
employe. The business done in this office often 
amounts to $400,000 per month. 

In 1893 Mr. Dickerson was elected a member 
of the City Council, and on entering his second 
year was made President of the Board. On the 
expiration of his term, in 1895, he was re-elected 
for two years, and at the same time was elected 
a member of the Board of Education for three 
years. He is faithful to the be.st interests of his 
cit3% and uses his influence in forwarding meas- 
ures for improvement in any line. Socially he is 
a Knight Templar, and has held important offices 
in the various branches of the Masonic order. 
He is a true-blue Republican in politics, which 
principles he has supported all his life. 

Milton B. Dickerson was married, June 10, 
1885, to Mary J., daughter of Carlisle and Mar- 
garet Mossman, the former of whom was born in 
Ireland, and the latter in Scotland. Mr. Moss- 
man was descended from a good old Presbyterian 
family in the northern part of his native i.sle, and 
on coming to the United States located in Ma- 
rion. Mr. and Mrs. Mossman are now living in 
Kansas. 

To our subject and his wife there have been 
born four children, three daughters and one son. 
They are Mildred Walker, Malcolm Gordon, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



147 



Eliza Theodore and Margaret Mary. In 1890 
Mr. Dickerson built a fine residence in Kensing- 
ton Place, which is one of the best in the citv. 



-mm- 



(p\ NDREW POE, one of the representative 
LJ citizens and prominent farmers of Hardin 
/ I County, is living on a fine estate in Round- 
head Township. He was born in Bracken Coun- 
ty, Ky., May i, 1815, and is the son of David 
and Elizabeth ( Richey) Poe. The father was 
of German and Scotch descent, and the mother of 
Irish descent. They became the parents of twelve 
children, namely: William, Andrew, Ruth, Sam- 
uel, Barbara, Mahala, Allen, David, Stephen, 
John, Helen and Genevieve. Of this large fam- 
ily only three are now living, viz.: Stephen, Al- 
len and our subject. Three sons fought as .sol- 
diers during the late war and one gave up his life 
on the battlefield. 

David Poe was a farmer throughout life. He 
came to Ohio in 1815 and .settled near Circleville. 
After a short sojourn there, he removed to Fay- 
ette County, locating near Washington Court 
House. From there he came to Hardin County, 
settling in McDonald Township in November, 
1832. The same year he bought two hundred 
acres of unimproved land, and in order to erect 
thereon a little cabin for his family, he was 
obliged to clear a space from the thick undergrowth 
of brush. This rude dwelling was built of logs 
and was 16x20 feet in dimensions, containing but 
one room and two windows. In order that the 
family might enjoy more of the comforts of life 
and that his last years might be passed in ease, 
he worked hard to improve his propertj', and 
made this place his home until three years prior 
to his decease, when he moved into Roundhead. 
His good wife passed away on the old homestead 
several years before. He was always a hardwork- 
ing man, and in the prosecution of his chosen 
calling met with success. As might be expected, 
his education was verj- limited, as there were not 



many schools near his home; but on having 
sons and daughters of his own, he did everything 
in his power to establish good .schools in his dis- 
trict. He was a Democrat in politics, and religi- 
ou.sly was connected by membership with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The original of this sketch was married, Febru- 
ary II, 1837, in Hardin County, to Lavina Zim- 
merman, who was born in Ro.ss County, this 
state, April 10, 18 19. vShe was the daughter of 
Andrew and Ruth (Taylor) Zimmerman, natives 
of Maryland, whence they removed to this .state 
in 1812, locating in Ross County. There Mr. 
Zimmerman became the owner of land on what 
was known as Twin Hills, and at the time of his 
decease was the proprietor of two hundred acres. 
He became the father of fourteen children, three 
of whom are now living. In religious affairs he 
was a member of the Presbyterian Church and 
took an active part in all its meetings. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Poe there has been granted a 
family of .seven children. William married Helen 
Buffenbarger and lives on a farm in this town- 
ship; Milton married Laura White and make his 
home on a farm in Kansas; Ann Maria is the 
wife of Hamilton Hill, a farmer of Roundhead 
Township; Geneva married Samuel Neville and 
they reside in Virginia; Samantha is the wife of 
James Smith and their home is in McDonald 
Township; David, who married Mollie Blair, is 
also a farmer of this township; Douglas married 
Anna Bordon and is the owner of a good proper- 
ty in this locality. 

When beginning life for himself, Mr. Poe pur- 
chased fifty acres of land in McDonald Township, 
near the old homestead. His po.ssessions at that 
time included a three-year-old colt and a cow, 
both of which animals were given in exchange 
for the land. This tract was uncultivated, and 
Mr. Poe made it his first duty to erect thereon a 
cabin. He worked the place for one year and 
then .sold it for $500, which transaction netted 
him a handsome profit. In 1839 he moved to 
Roundhead Township, first buying eighty acres. 
This property lay in the low lands on section 32, 
and in order to improve it Mr. Poe built a cabin 
for his family, 16x20 feet in dimensions, and then 



148 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



gave his attention to clearing the timber from the 
place. He was enabled to improve about ten 
acres each year, and when this was done added to 
his estate, until now it includes three hundred and 
eight acres of some of the finest land in the coun- 
ty. Wild game at the time he located here was 
very plentiful and although the family often suf- 
fered for other articles of food, yet they were al- 
waj's supplied with fresh meat. 

In politics our subject is a stanch Democrat; 
but has never aspired to official honors, although 
having been prevailed upon to serve as Township 
Super\-isor and School Director. During his in- 
cumbency of the former office, he laid out roads, 
built bridges, and in other ways performed the 
duties of Supervisor in a satisfactory' manner. 
Mrs. Foe is a Presbyterian in religion and in this 
denomination has been a faithful worker for many 
years. 



QOHN H. GRUBER is one of the native .sons 
I of Marion Town.ship, Marion County, born 
O April 19, 1853, and has passed his entire life 
in this locality. He rose from poverty to his 
present high standing as a man of influence and 
the possessor of a fair fortune. Soon after reach- 
ing his majority he purchased eighty acres on 
section 31, and has .since carried on general farm- 
ing here, making many improvements, which 
have greatly added to the value of the homestead. 
Abraham Gruber, father of the above gentle- 
man, was born in Harrison County, Va., July 17, 
1819. His father, John Gruber, was of German 
descent and was a farmer by occupation. He em- 
igrated to Marion County with his family in 
1831, making the journey by team, and took up 
one hundred and .sixty acres of Govenmient land 
in Marion Town.ship. This tract was covered 
with timber and was held at the usual price of 
$1.25 per acre. John Gruber lived but a year 
after coming to this county, and left a widow 
and six children, namely: John, Rebecca, Mary, 



Abraham, Sarah ami Clui-tic .\iin. Sarah is 
now the onlj' surv'ivor of the family. 

When he was twelve years of age Abraham 
Gruber came from his native state to this county 
and grew to manhood in Marion Township. He 
remained with his mother until he was twenty- 
two years of age, when he purcha.sed one hundred 
and sixt}- acres in the same township, and here 
he lived the remainder of his life, with the ex- 
ception of one year spent at the county seat. 
When he became owner of the place only a few 
acres had been broken, and an old farm house was 
the only building worthy the name. He was a 
man of public .spirit, and though not an office- 
seeker nor desirous of .ser\-ing in a public capac- 
ity, at times did so in response to the wi.shes of his 
neighbors. He died December 24, 1 868, and was 
buried in Marion Cemetery. His wife's remains 
were placed. by his .side a few years later, she 
having died September 16, 1S73. Her maiden 
name was Frances Bell. 

John H. is one of eleven children and the 
sixth in order of birth. The others are as fol- 
lows: Elizabeth E., Mrs. Milton McKeeber, of 
Morrow County, this state; Thomas B., who died 
in 1886; George C, a farmer of Morrow County; 
William G., who died in July, 1889; Sarah A., 
Mrs. W. T. Owen, of Marion Township; Alpheus 
A., who died December 10, 1893; Sidney W., of 
Marion Township; Mary E., who died April 13, 
1873; Frances B., whose death occurred April 12, 
1864; and Isaac, a farmer of Claridon Township. 

The early years of John H. Gruber were passed 
in the usual manner of farmer boys, a portion of 
his time being devoted to obtaining an education 
in the district school. From the time he was 
seventeen until he was twenty-two years of age 
he worked as a farm hand, and thus obtained the 
money which he afterward invested in land. He 
was first married in 1875, the lady of his choice 
being Minerva Scribner, who died December 17, 
1878, leaving one .son, Frank. Mr. Gruber wed- 
ded his present wife on Christmas Day, 1884, and 
three children have been born of their union: J. 
Arthur, Herbert H. and Grace. Mrs. Gruber was 
formerly Miss Amida, daughter of John W. and 
Mary (Hull) Hoff. She received her education 




JOHN ICVANS. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



151 



in the country schools of Morrow and Delaware 
Counties, and began teaching school before her 
fourteenth year, continuing in this profession 
almost uninteruptedly until she was twenty- 
one years of age. Mrs. Mary Hoff was born 
December 15, 1837, in Marion County, Ohio, her 
parents being Samuel and CherrLssa (Wilcox) 
Hull. Mrs. Gruber's father was born March 10, 
1S35, in Harrison County, Va., and was a son of 
Abraham Hoff, of German descent. The' former 
removed to Delaware County, Ohio, when four- 
teen years of age, and during the summer hired 
out to farmers, while in the winter time he en- 
gaged in teaching school for several years. He 
finished his education in the Delaware (Ohio) 
College, and in i86i enlisted as a private in an 
Ohio regiment, serving until the close of the war. 
From 1865 to 1872 he was engaged in agricult- 
ural pursuits in Delaware County, and then pur- 
chased a farm near Cardington, in Morrow Coun- 
tj'. For the next decade he continued his former 
occupation of farming and teaching. He is an 
ardent Republican and has held numerous town- 
ship offices. F-raternally he belongs to the Ma- 
sonic and Odd Fellows' societies. 

In regard to political questions John H. Gru- 
ber is always to be found u.sing his ballot and in- 
fluence on behalf of the Republican part}'. Both 
he and his good wife are members of the Method- 
ist Church, and are active workers in its various 
departments of usefulness. 



(TOHN EVANvS, who is now deceased, was 
I known throughout this portion of the United 
G/ States as the proprietor of the largest blue 
limestone quarries in central Ohio and the man- 
ufacturer of the celebrated white lime, which was 
one of Marion County's most important indus- 
tries. He was truly .self-made, as he began at 
the bottom round of the ladder of fortune and by 
honest effort and perseverance worked his way up 

3 



to prominence and weallli. The reader must not 
think that his position was attained by a stroke 
of luck; but on the contrary it took patient devo- 
tion to business, a watchful care of every detail, 
and a clo.se adherence to the principles of honesty 
and industry to reach the high piiuiacle on which 
he stood at the time of his decea.se. 

John Evans was born in Wales, vSeptember 28, 
1848, and came to this country- with his parents, 
John and Gwenllian Evans, in i.S6j. His father, 
who was also a Welshman, was born in 1815 and 
died in 1875. The mother of our subject, who 
was born in 1S14, was seventy-seven years old at 
the time of her decease. On landing in America 
they at once made their way to Ohio, and first 
settled in Trumbull County. In 1873, however, 
John Evans, Sr., came to this county and made 
his home on a fine tract of land in Pleasant Town- 
ship. November 1 1 of that year our subject was 
married to Mary J., daughter of John and Anna 
Owens, who were also Welsh people. Soon after 
his union with Miss Owens he purchased a farm 
from his father-in-law, taking po.sse.ssion of what 
was known as the Barnhart Farm, which con- 
sisted of eighty acres. In company with his wife's 
brothers, John and Daniel, he began Inirninglime 
in the Owens stone quarry, the three working 
together until 1882. That year Mr. Evans sold 
his interest in the business and bought the now 
famous blue limestone quarries, better known as 
"vStone Cut." It is located just outside the city 
limits, on the Columbus, Hocking Valley & To- 
ledo Railway, which makes it very convenient and 
desirable for shipping. It covers two hundred 
and fifteen acres, and produces the famous blue 
limestone in evenly bedded layers, ranging from 
six to twenty-two inches in thickness. The fame 
for excellence of the stone produced by Mr. Evans 
extended throughout this and adjoining states, 
while his business increased so rapidly that it 
soon became one of the great industries of Marion 
County. In quality the stone is clear, fine and 
.strong, and is not affected by frost any more than 
granite or marble, and it hardens with age. The 
shipments in building-stone average thousands of 
carloads per year. 

During his lifetime our suliject did a large bus- 



152 



PORTILUT AND BlOGli^VPUICAL RECORD. 



iiiess in shipping crushed stone for use in niacad- 
aiui/.ing streets, his quarries being supplied with 
machiucr>- which could crush sixty carloads per 
day. The white liiue which he nmuufactured 
was the best in the laud. It is the only quality 
of white lime which is free slacking and which 
will work cool. Contractors, builders, architects, 
scientific men and chemists all pronounced the 
quality of this lime to he jierfect. It soon be- 
came widely ktiown, and the demand for it in- 
creased day by day, although at that time Mr. 
Evans was enabled to turn out twelve hundred 
bushels jx^r day. He gave employment to from 
eighty to one hundretl and twenty men, and the 
trade of his establishment extended all over the 
conntr>- . 

Our subject was one of the best business men 
in this section, jxissessing those peculiar qualifi- 
cations which fitted him for the large business 
which he was conducting. He was much re- 
sjiected by all, and always enjoyed the fullest con- 
fidence of his employes and those associated with 
him in even,- transaction. 

Mr. Evans was a leading worker and Tnistee 
in the Presbyterian Church, in the work of which 
he took an active part. He was a Knight of 
Pythias and an Odd Fellow, in both of which 
orders he was greatly interested. On account of 
failing healUi, he and his wife took a trip to Flor- 
ida, hoping to gain renewed health: however, he 
was taken worse, and two weeks after returning 
home passetl away, February 25, 1S94, greatly 
niourneil by faniily and friends. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Evans there were born five 
children: John, Daniel, Thomas, David and Stella, 
Since his death, his wife, who is a thorough bus- 
iness woman and fully acquainted with all the 
details of his various enteqirises, looks after the 
management of her large estate. During the 
World's Fair in Chicago Mr. Evans made an 
exhibit of his limestone, and at its clase was 
awarded the first prize. The impetus given to 
the industries of this city by the enterjirise of Mr. 
Evans is not unrecognizeil. and the general con- 
sideration with which he was regarded is the nat- 
ural outgrowth of a career which embotlietl the 
highest principles of conunercial integrity and 



personal honor. He never had the advantages 
of a collegiate education, but, being a close ob- 
ser\-er, during his career act^uired a general bus- 
iness education, which made him one of the best 
of business men. His start in life was due en- 
tirely to his own exertions, and he therefore de- 
served, and was given, the greatest praise for his 
perseverance in the face of many obstacles. 



•«— ==^>-^^<^=^ 



(lOIlX TRHSSEI.. Few of the residents of 
I Liberty Township have beeti more closely 
Q) identified with its growth, and with that of 
Hardin County as well, than the subject of this 
sketch, who for many years has made his home 
on section S. He was one of the early settlers of 
his locality, and entered from the Government 
the land on which he still resides. At the time 
of his arrival here, the entire county was heaN-ily 
timbered, and there were but eight voters in 
the township, seven of them being Democrats. 
Through the years that have since come and gone, 
he has taken an unwearied interest in the welfare 
of his fellowmen and the progress of the township. 
In Warren Township, Tuscarawas County, 
Ohio, John Tressel was bom October 24, i8io, 
being the son of George and Catherine (^Shuster) 
Tressel. His father, who was boni in Washing- 
ton Comity, Pa., atout 17S0, was engaged in 
agricultural pursuits in that state until 1S08, 
when he removed to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, 
and settled upon a fann of one hundred and sixty 
acres given him by his father-in-law. Upon this 
place he made his home until his death at the age 
of seventy -six years. During the War of 1812 
he was dratteil, but was never called into active 
ser\'ice. During the early years of his residence 
in Ohio, Indians were numerous, but they were 
friendly and never moleste<.l the settlers. 

In Washington County, Pa., about 1800, 
George Tressel married Miss Catherine Shuster, 
whose birth occurred there about 1782. Her 
parents, who were natives of Gennany, crossed 



r(M<ri;Air and r.ioiiiiAriiiCAi^ riccord. 



15.3 



tlu- Atlantii- in tlie same shi]), and llieir time was 
solil to tlie same man to pa)' their passaj^e. While 
thns employed they became engaged and shortly 
afterward were married. Though they bore the 
same family name, they were not related to each 
other. Their daughter Catherine was the fourth 
of their twelve children. The parents of George 
Tressel were also natives of Germany. 

The family of which our subject is a member 
consisted of twelve children, of whom Adam, 
Christina and Catherine died in infancy. (Jf the 
others we note the following: Sarah married Sam- 
uel Wingate, and is now decea.sed; Margaret, 
also deceased, was the wife of Levi Hoffman; 
Daniel, who is now eighty-six years old, is a 
resident of Tuscarawas County, Ohio; John is 
the fourth in order of birth; George died in Clay 
County, Ind., when about fifty-five years of age; 
Polly, deceased, was Mrs. Jo.shua vSlutz; .Samuel 
died in Tuscarawas County at fifty years of age; 
Susanne, deceased, was fir.st the wife of Jacob 
Keyes, later married Joseph Opp, and afterward 
was united with George Etherton; and Henry 
died in Tuscarawas County, when aljout twenty- 
five years old. 

The early education of our subject was gained 
in the primitive .schools of Tuscarawas Comity, 
and the room in which he .studied his le.s,sons had 
puncheon benches, grea.sed paper instead of win- 
dow panes, and a crude writing desk that ex- 
tended along one side of the building. His 
.school studies were continued, subject to many 
interruptions, until he was twenty-one. In 1830 
he was examined by the first Board of Examiners 
appointed in the county, and, receiving a certifi- 
cate, soon began to teach, which occupation he 
followed for eight years. In those early times 
twenty-four days made a .school month, and the 
teacher was required to teach every other Satur- 
day. 

At the age of twenty -three Mr. Tre.ssel mar- 
lied, and he then rented a .sawmill, which he 
operated about eight years. The winter months, 
meanwhile, were devoted to teaching and to odd 
jobs. Grain was at that time cut with a .sickle, 
but Mr. Tre.s.sel, not being handy with that in- 
strument, bought a cradle, in the use of which 



he .soon became ex])erl. l'"or cradling he was 
paid <jne'hairi)Ushel ])er .aire, and for cradling 
antl binding; lereived .a liushel, and so rapidly did 
he work tlial he could cradle three or four acres 
a day. I'rior to his marriage lie entered eighty 
acres of the land he still owns, and hither, after 
eight years spent in Tuscarawas County, he came 
in June, 1844. He has since added forty acres 
to tile ])roperty, and the most of the land he has 
cleared by his own efforts. About three years 
;ifter coming here he erected a gristmill, and the 
following year built a s.awmill, which he oiK-rated 
for nineteen years. Since discontinuing milling, 
his altenlioii has been given principally to farm 
work. 

In Tuscarawas County, Ohio, March 10, 1836, 
Mr. Tressel married Miss Ivliza H. I<appin, who 
was born there A])ril 19, i8ig, and died April 16, 
1856, in Hardin County. She was a daughter of 
.Samuel and Comfort dlilliary) I.,appin, who for 
many years resided in Tuscarawas County. Her 
marriage resulted in the birth of nine children, 
two of whom died unnamed in infancy, and Sal- 
lie, Ann and John pa.ssed away in childhood. The 
others are Martha Jane, wife of Jefferson Rut- 
ledge, of Ada; .Samuel, who was accidentally 
killed in 1868: George, a clerk in Lima, Ohio; 
and Angeline, wife of Ch.arles Slralim, of Col- 
umbiana County, Oh'u). 

The second marriage of Mr. Tressel took place 
in Hardin County on New Year's Day of 1857, 
his wife being Mrs. Mary Wells, who was born 
in Carroll County, July 28, 1828. Her father 
was born in Pennsylvania, February 29, 1804, a 
descendant of Irish ancestry. In Carroll County, 
about 1826, he married .Susanna Wilkin, who was 
born there October 14, 1807, and died May 2, 
1855; his death occurred December 24, 1835. 
Mrs. Tre.ssel and her twin sister, Rachel, were 
the eldest of five children, the others being Will- 
iam, Catherine and James. Mrs. Tressel was fir.st 
unit'ed in marriage with Amos Wells, who at his 
death left two children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Tressel there were born seven children, of whom 
two (twins) died unnamed, and Hester, a twin of 
Albert, died at the age of thirteen. Alice Saman- 
tha is the wife of Ivrastus Turner and lives in 



154 



PORTRAIT AND RIOGRAI'llICAL RliCORD. 



Liberty Township; Albert cultivates a farm ad- 
joining his father's; Dora marrie<l Howard Tur- 
ner, and resides on a fann on the west county line; 
and James Grant, a fanner by occupation, is cul- 
tivating a portion of the home place. 

In religious belief Mr. and Mrs. Tressel are 
identified with the Evangelical Lutheran Church 
of Ada. His political affiliations are with the 
Republican party, and he is a stanch advocate of 
its principles. For three years, while residing in 
Tuscarawas County, he served as Justice of the 
Peace, and for twelve years was similarly oc- 
cupied in Liberty Township, Hardin County. In- 
terested in educational affairs, he held the office 
of School Director for about thirty years, and 
during that long period was instrumental in or- 
ganizing several schools, and in promoting the 
cause of education in the township. For one 
term he was Township Trustee, and also filled the 
position of Assessor for one year. In all these 
varied positions he has rendered credit to himself, 
and served satisfactorily to all concerned. Now 
in the declining years of his useful life, he is in 
the enjoyment of the comforts which he accumu- 
lated in years of toil, and in his pleasant home, 
ministered to b3- his devoted family, he pas.ses 
his time quietly and happily. 



ll-^-i^: 



HENRY \V. NESBITT. a well known farmer 
of Claridon Township, Marion County, has 
been the owner of a gooil farm on section 1 1 
since iS68. Both as an agriculturist and as a 
stock-raiser he has met with success, for he pos- 
sesses the qualities of industry and perseverance, 
which are indispensable to a man who intends to 
make a mark in the world. He received only a 
district-school education, but supplemented this 
by reading and private stndy, which, added to 
his experience, have made him a man of wide in- 
formation. 

Jaseph Nesbitt, the father of the gentleman 
above mentioned, came from a respected English 



famil}', as did also his wife, whose maiden name 
was Ann Grubb. They were the parents of seven 
children, namely: Mary-, who died in infancy; 
Elizabeth and Jo.seph, also deceased; Henry W.; 
Sarah, wife of Edward Fields, of this township; 
Samuel, deceased; and John C, who died in in- 
fancy. Joseph Nesbitt conducted a hotel in his 
native land for .several years, but about 1842 con- 
cluded to seek his fortune in America. Coming 
to Ohio, he bought eighty acres of land in Clari- 
don Town.ship, and after living thereon for six 
years removed to the farm on which he passed 
his remaining years, his death occurring in 1876. 
In religious belief he was a Methodist, as was 
also his good wife. 

Henrj- \V. Nesbitt was born near Newcastle- 
on-Tyne, England, November 28, 1S34, and was 
accordingly eight years of age when the fam- 
ily emigrated to the United States. He has a 
distinct recollection of the long ocean voyage and 
of the journey from New York City to Cleveland, 
by waj- of the canal and the Great Lakes, and 
from the Forest City to this locality in wagons. 
He grew to manhood in this township, remain- 
ing with his parents until reaching his majority. 
For the next two years he worked on farms, after 
which for three years he found employment as a 
carpenter. His first purchase of land was a tract 
of fifty acres on section 16, this township, but at 
the end of four years he became the owner of a 
part of his present fann, which comprised one 
hundred and twenty acres. To this he has since 
added a tract of twenty acres. 

In 1S60 Mr. Nesbitt married Sarah E. Irey, 
by whom he had two children, Elizabeth and 
Harrison H., the latter of whom is now deceased. 
In 1866 Mr. Nesbitt was married a second time, 
the lady of his choice being Miss Mar>' C. Fell. 
Their only child, a daughter, Mary E., is now 
the wife of George Stewart, a farmerof this town- 
ship. The lady who now bears the name of our 
subject became his wife in 1869, prior to which 
time she was a Miss Cassie Wortman. Mr. and 
Mrs. Nesbitt have had six children, two of whom, 
Mabel, the eldest, and the youngest, are de- 
ceased. Those living are William H., Alice M., 
Ethel and Clady E. 



POUTRAIT AND lilOORAl'lIlCAL RKCORI). 



155 



For a luimber of years Mr. NeshiU actc-d in 
the capacity of Township Siij^crvisor, and in his 
political Ijclicf he is a Rci)ul)lican. Ik- has long 
been a nieniher of the Methodist Church, and 
cfinlrihutes liijerally of his means toils support. 



^I^ORdlv T. KINO was one of the success- 
1—. lul liusiness men of Rieldand Township, 
\Jl Marion County, and from his early years 
was interested in the .saw and grist mill which 
was at one time owned by his father. His death 
resulted from an accident received while he was 
working around mills, May 23, 1882, and his re- 
mains were interred in Marion Cemetery. 

The birth of our .subject occurred March 4, 
1832, in Richland Townsliip. He was one of 
eight children born to Titus and Margaret (Storm) 
King, the former a native of Vermont. The otlier 
members of the family are as follows: Henry, 
Harriet, Hiram, Mary J., Albert, William and 
Lydia. Henry is decea.sed, and Hiram is a well 
known farmer of this county. The father took 
up two hundred and forty acres of Government 
land, constructed a log cabin, and later put up the 
first sawmill in the neighborhood. 

George T. King in his early years worked dili- 
gently on his father's farm and in the mill, learn- 
ing habits of industry and thrift wliich served 
him in good stead in later life. He remained 
under the parental roof until after reaching his 
majority, and after starting forth to make his 
own livelihood was employed in his father's mills 
for eighteen years, during which time he bought 
an interest in the business. After tlie death of 
his father he purchased the old homestead and 
the remaining interest in the mills from the other 
heirs, and was secure in possession of the same 
during the remainder of his life. 

April 7, 1853, Mr. King married Margaret 
Earnhardt, who was born July 10, 1835. Their 
union was blessed with six children: George W., 
who is general manager of the Steam vShovel Com- 



pany of Marion; Ivnnua Iv ; Margaret Iv, whodied 
December i, i,Syi; Henry !•., a resident of Ma- 
rion and traveling salesman for the Steam Shovel 
ComiKiny; We.sly M., a farmer of this township; 
and Charles 1',., who is attending college at Dela- 
ware, Ohio. 

Politically Mr. King was an ardent kepuhlic.an, 
and never failed to attend llie polls and dejiosit 
his b.'dlot at the re;4idar elections. He was a 
member of the Methodi.st Ciiurch, and always 
took a leading part in religions and benevolent 
work. His education was princijially obtained in 
the common schools, although he constantly in- 
creased his knowledge by ob.servation and private 
reading. He was well liked by all, and won the 
entire confidence and love of his fellow citizens, 
by whom his memory is still cherished. 



<X;'i"H-»->-t-»-t"8"»-8''{-jg^^-H"i"H-»»»»'H'X' 



. I,LSWORTH E. McCOPPIN is a Justice 
^ of the Peace and general in.surance agent of 
_ Ada. May i, 1894, upon the resignation of 
J. \y. Morrow, he was elected Secretary of the 
Building and I^oan A.s.sociation, and in the follow- 
ing fall was elected to the Justiceshi]), an office 
formerly held l)y the same gentleman. May i, 
1894, he also purchased Mr. Morrow's insurance 
business, wliicli he has since conducted success- 
fully. He is a young man of ability, and is rap- 
idly forging his way to the front. 

The paternal grandi)arents of our subject were 
married in Virginia. The grandfather was born 
in 1791, and liis wife four years later. He was a 
soldier of the Mexican War, and was a shoemaker 
by trade, but followed an agricultural life after 
coming tn Ohio. In 1820 he lookup land near 
Carmel, Ohio, and there his death occurred in 
1859. He was noted as a marksman, and took 
great delight in luniting. Frequently he was 
employed by neighbors to kill the squirrels that 
devastated their corn-fields, and some days he 
would ha\e one luuidred of the little animals 



is6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



as trophies. His father was a native of Ireland 
and a pioneer in Virginia. The paternal grand- 
inother, Mary (Burfitt) McCoppin, came from 
an old Virginia slave-holding family, and on the 
wagon trip with her husband from that state to 
Ohio brought with them a little negro girl, who 
was sold before reaching this state. Our sub- 
ject's parents were G. W. and Thirza M. (Hug- 
gins) McCoppin, whose marriage was celebrated 
at Sinking Springs, Ohio, April lo, 1859. The 
father was born at Cannel, Ohio, April 27, 1835, 
and still resides on a farm in that locality, where 
he has ser\-ed as Township As.ses.sor and Con- 
stable for nine consecutive terms. He is the 
youngest of twelve children, all of whom grew to 
maturity and became heads of families and mem- 
bers of the Mcthodi.st Episcopal Church. In pol- 
itics G. W. McCoppin has been a Republican 
since 1 856. His wife was born at Sinking Springs, 
Ohio, October 22, 1837, being a daughter of Ben- 
jamin F. and Marj- (Swayne) Huggins, who 
were married in that village four years previ- 
ously. Her father was born in 181 2, not far 
from the Natural Bridge in Virginia, and when 
about twenty years of age walked across the Al- 
leghany Mountains to Ohio, settling in Highland 
County. He followed his trade of shoemaking 
until retiring from active life. His death, which 
resulted from an accident, occurred when he was 
seventy-eight years of age, and though well along 
in years he was as straight as a man of fifty, and 
hardly had a gray hair. Both he and his wife 
were members of the Methodist Ivpi.scopal Church. 
His father was a school teacher of unu.sual abil- 
ity, and his de.scendants still preser\-e a manu- 
.script arithmetic of which he was the autlior. 
He was of linglish ancestry, and died in Virginia. 
Mary (Swayne) Huggins, who came from a Peini- 
.sylvania-Gernian family, was born in 1812, and 
became the mother of three children. 

E. E. McCoppin is a native of Carmel, Highland 
County, Ohio, and was born July 7, 1S61. He 
is one of nine children, the eldest of whom died 
at the age of three days, while the others were 
Thomas P., who died when in his eighth year; 
Frank, who is in the bank at Bainbridge, Ohio; 
Blanche; Lucy; Sherman; and Roscoe and Jo- 



seph, who are still in school. Our subject at- 
tended the country schools until eighteen years 
of age, when he engaged in teaching in his home 
district and in adjoining counties, being thus en- 
gaged until 1884. During the summers of 1887 
and 1889 he attended the Ada Normal School, 
and for one term was a student at the Ohio Wes- 
leyan University of Delaware. The winters from 
1886 to 1888, inclusive, he again taught .school, 
and for several terms had charge of the township 
high school at South Solon, Madison County. 
The following two years he conducted schools at 
Rainsboro, Ohio, in the capacity of Superintend- 
ent. Next he took a busine.ss course in East- 
man's National Business College of Poughkeep- 
sie, N. v., and September i, 1890, became a clerk 
in the Citizens' Bank of Ada, holding the posi- 
tion until the failure of that institution in July, 
1893. The next winter he attended the Ohio 
Normal University at Ada, and in the following 
May engaged in his present line of business. 

August 7, 1889, Mr. McCoppin and Zua Flor- 
ence Cunningham were married in the Ada Meth- 
odist Church. She died December 12, 1890, leav- 
ing an infant son, George T., who was bora No- 
vember I, 1S90. The present wife of our sub- 
ject, to whom he was married December 25, 1892, 
is Margaret Mae, daughter of Wilham T. and 
Mary M. (Wilson) Deming, of Kenton, Ohio. 
Her father is now managing a family hotel, and 
is one of the respected citizens of Kenton. Mrs. 
McCoppin received a good education in the schools 
of Kenton and Ada, graduating from the noraial 
school of this city, and subsequently graduated 
from the Rusk School of Ivlocution in Cleveland. 
She also attended the Boston School of Expression 
and Oratory and Genevieve Stebbins' School of 
Expression in New York City. In 1880 she was 
secured as a teacher of elocution in the Ohio Nor- 
mal Universitj', which position .she has filled ever 
since. On the maternal side she is a descendant 
of the same stock from which 01i\'er Wendell 
Holmes originated. Her brother, J. Guy Deming, 
is a Lieutenant in Company G, Second Infantrj' 
of the Ohio National Guards, and her brother 
Clifie is a vSergeant in the .same company. Mr. and 
Mrs. McCoppin are members of the Methodist 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



157 



Episcopal Church, as were all of their ancestors, 
with the exception of her maternal grandparents, 
who were Quakers. 

In politics our subji'Ct is a Republican, and has 
twice been elected Town.ship Clerk while living 
in Highland County. His .surname is a corru])- 
tion of McAlpine, a famous Highland Scotch fam- 
ily, from whom the American branch sprang. 






(Tames M. wood, M. D., the leading physi- 
I cian of Dudley Town.ship, Hardin Countv, 
G/ resides on an excellent farm located on .sec- 
tion I I. He gives his attentinn In the practice of 
medicine, in addition to superintending the oper- 
ations of his estate, and now ranks high among 
his professional Ijrethren in the county. 

Our subject is a native of this state and w;is 
born March i, 1S53, in Marion County. His 
parents, Hampton and Susanna (Marsh) Wood, 
reared a family of twelve children, of whom he 
was the sixth-born. The father was born in Vir- 
ginia, but accompanied his parents on their re- 
moval to Marion Count>', Oliio, when (luite 
young. He was reared to man's estate in Big 
Island Township, and there pa.ssed the remaining 
years of his life, dying when .seventy-eight years 
of age. He was one of the wealthy land-own- 
ers of that township, and left to his family a valu- 
able estate, comprising one thousand acres of fine 
farming land. For many years he was Treasurer 
and Tru.stee of the town.ship, and aided in various 
way in its upbuilding and development. He was 
a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and 
his memory is trea.sured by his descendants, and 
in fact by all who knew liim. His parents, who 
were of Scotch-Iri.sh extraction, were natives of 
the Old Dominion, but on coming to this state 
were cla.ssed among its first inhabitants. 

The mother of our subject was also a Virginian 
and of German extraction. Her death occurred 



in Marion County when fifty si.x years of age. 
Her son, our snbjrct, remained at home and 
attended tlie conimon schools until .seventeen 
years old, when he liecame a student in the 
schools of Marion. He attended there for two 
years, and was then gi\en a certificate enabling 
him to teach, h'or fi\-e ^ears lie followed this oc-- 
cnpation, and during that time saved enough 
money to enter the college at Ridgeville, Ind. 
After leaving this institution he spent one year on 
a farm in Hardin Coiuilw ;nid then began reading 
medicine with Dr. 1\. C. I'owdi.sh, who was a 
resident of Big Island Townsliip. After the pre- 
scribed course of reading he attended lectures for 
three years at the Colunil)Us Medical College, 
from which he was graduated with hont)rs witli 
the Class of '79. He then established an oflTiee 
at VehxTlon, tliis couut>-, for the practice of 
medicine, l)ut remained tliere onl\- a short time, 
when he entered a drug stole in Kenton. There 
he remained until the spring of the following 
j-e.ir, when lie opened a drug store of his own at 
Larue, which he carried on in connection with 
his practice. During the li\e years in which he 
was a resident of lh;it place he was Postmaster, 
but in the suninier of 1SS5 he left town and lo- 
cated upon the lann on which he is now residing. 

November jo, 1S71;, Dr. Wood w:is married to 
Miss l.ucy I'otti'r, who was born July 13, 1859. 
,Slie is the daughter of Josiah and Mary Ann 
(Mills) Potter, the former of whom was born 
and reared in the stale of New York. vSoon after 
his marriage to Miss Mills, who was also a na- 
liv^e of that state, he renioxed to Wyandot Coiui- 
t\-, Ohio. They were residents there for a num- 
ber of >ears and then changed their location, this 
time settling in Hardin Coiuity, where the father 
died when eight>- four >earsofage. Mrs. Potter's 
death took place after she had attained her fifty- 
third year. Tiie\' were charter members of the 
Methodist Ivpi.scopal Church. 

Four children were born to the Doctor and his 
wife, namely: Mamie Ellie, Aubrey Hampton, 
ObieJ. ( who died in infancy), and Anna Belle. 
The Doctor is (piite an active politician, and 
never fails to cast ;i vote in favor of the Republi- 
can c:indi(lales. .Soeiall\' he is a Mason, belong- 



158 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ing to Blue Lodge No. 463. Although not con- 
nected with any church organization, he contrib- 
utes cheerfully of his means to the support of the 
various bodies in his neighborhood. 



\^^^ 



(TA.MKS KMERV is one of the honored old 
I settlers of Marion County, and has pa.ssed 
O his entire life within its boundaries. He 
now owns and manages a farm of one hundred 
acres on section 19, Waldo Township, where he 
is engaged in the cultivation of the soil and in 
stock-raising. On various occasions he has held 
local township offices, such as Assessor, Trustee 
and School Director. In his early years he ex- 
perienced the hardships and privations which usu- 
ally fall to the lot of the pioneer, and the first 
school which he attended was one managed on 
the subscription plan and located a mile and a- 
half from his home. 

The birthday of James Emery was July 4, 1826, 
the same day that Thomas Jefferson and John 
Adams were summoned to the home beyond. 
The event occurred on the banks of the White- 
stone River, in Richland Township, where his 
parents had located some six years previously. 
The father, John Emery, was born November 
14, 1797, in Berkeley County, Va., and the moth- 
er, Catherine (Wagner) F^mery, was a native of 
Perr>' County, Pa. In 1820 John Emery came 
to this state, making the journey westward by 
team, and had to cut his way through the woods 
from Waldo to his homestead, which was a piece 
of school land on .section 16, and comprised eigh- 
ty acres. Mr. Emery put up a log cabin in the 
fashion of tho.se days, and cleared his land of the 
fore.st. Delaware was his trading-post for years, 
and the only thing on the site of Marion was a 
well. The Indians were still luimerous here at 
that day, but made no trouble for the earlj- set- 
tlers. Fourteen years after coming to Ohio, John 
Emery and his wife went on a visit to Monroe 
County, Oliio, making the journey on horseback. 



He died in 1873, and his wife survived him sev- 
eral years, passing away in 1885, in her eighty- 
sixth year. They were both buried in Richland 
Cemetery. Religiously they were firm believers 
in the Methodist faith. 

In a familj' of nine children, our subject is the 
fourth in order of birth. His eldest brother, 
Martin, lives on the old homestead, and the oth- 
ers are as follows: Rebecca, Elizabeth, Susan, Fan- 
nie, Annie, Jane and Catherine. Until he was 
twenty-three years of age, James Emery contin- 
ued to give his services to his father on the old 
homestead. 

About 1849 our subject embarked in business 
for himself, by buying and .selling live stock, and 
was thus employed for about twenty years, meet- 
ing with good success. In 1869 he turned his 
attention to agricultural pursuits and moved to 
the farm where he is yet living, and which under 
his supervision has been improved and cultivated 
until it is now one of the best in the locality. On 
questions relating to politics, Mr. Emery is a 
Prohil)itionist and never fails in exercising his 
right of franchise at election time. 

June 16, 1853, occurred the marriage of James 
Emery and Rachel Showers. Twelve children 
were born to this worthy couple. Three of the 
number died in infancy, and Fannie E., the eldest 
is also deceased. Those living are named as fol- 
lows: Euciuda J,, Annie V., Clement, John W., 
Benjamin F. , James, Joseph and Gladys. 



=00G 



V^ILTON H.. RHOADS is the owner of a 
y \aluable homestead on section 30, Salt 
y Rock Township, Marion County, and is 
one of the progressive farmers of this region. In 
politics he is a Republican, and by his fellow- 
citizens has frequently been elected to serv'e in a 
public capacity. Among others he has been 
Township Trustee for three terms. 

The Rhoads family is one of the oldest and 
most highly respected ones in the county, and 




j()si:i'ii pAiijcci. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



i6i 



has always been found on the side of progress. 
The parents of our subject were Henry and 
Elizabeth (Crabb) Rhoads. The former was a 
native of Pickaway County, Ohio, and at an early 
day emigrated to this county, where, in company 
with his father, he bought the farm now owned 
by his son Milton H. He improved a tract of 
wild land, and there continued to dwell until his 
death, which occurred while yet in the prime of 
life, being only in his forty-ninth year. He was 
very active in the ranks of the Republican party, 
and held at one time or another nearly all of the 
local township offices. Financially he was quite 
successful, and at his demi.se left about four hun- 
dred acres of land. His wife, Elizabeth, was born 
in Ross County, Ohio, and came to this county 
with an aunt, as .she was left an orphan. Her 
death occurred when she had attained her sixtieth 
year. Her second child, Susan, died in infancy; 
John E., the next of the family, is a merchant in 
Marion; George died at the age of twenty years; 
Leah is the wife of Samuel Krause; and Martha 
died when a child of five years. 

The birth of Milton H. Rhoads occurred Sep- 
tember 24, 1840, in this township. He was only 
fourteen years old when his father died, and he 
remained at home until reaching his majority. 
October 7, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Sixty- 
fourth Ohio Infantry, as a private, but was pro- 
moted to the rank of Corporal about two weeks 
after his enlistment. On account of poor health 
he received an honorable discharge in the sum- 
mer of 1862. Returning home, he was married a 
few months later and moved to a part of his 
grandfather's old homestead, which had descended 
to him by inheritance, and here he has made his 
home ever since. His home farm comprises two 
hundred and ninety acres, a portion of which rep- 
resents his own earnings. 

September 11, 1862, Mr. Rhoads married Jane 
D. Davidson, who was born in this township, 
May 8, 1840. Her parents were James and Ann 
(Dalzell) Davidson, natives of Clark County, 
Ohio, and Ireland, respectively. The father was 
l)orn in 1810, and in his earlj^ manhood came to 
this county, working out by the month for a time. 
Subsequently lie purchased land and engaged in 



its cultivation until shortly before his death, 
which occurred when he was seventy-five years 
old. His wife emigrated to this county with her 
parents when .she was only eight years old. She 
was a member of the Baptist Church and died in 
that faith when in her forty-ninth year. The 
only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Rhoads was 
James Henrj-, whose birth occurred June 25, 
186-5. He was married, August 17, 1890, to Ida 
Peters, who was born October 14, 1862, in Wy- 
andot County, Ohio. James H. Rhoads is an en- 
terprising young farmer and takes a large share 
of the respon.sibility of managing the farm. 

Our subject is a member of Lodge No. 58, 
I. O. O. F. , of Marion, to which his son also be- 
longs, and is identified with the Grand Army post 
at Marion. Mrs. Rhoads is a member of the Baptist 
Church, to which her husband is a liberal con- 
tributor. 



30SEPH PAULUCCI. The city of Kenton 
contains among its representative citizens no 
gentleman who takes a warmer interest in its 
progress or aids in a higher degree the develop- 
ment of its material resources than he whose 
name introduces this sketch. For some years 
identified with the railroad interests of this sec- 
tion, later at the head of a large banking concern, 
he has made it his aim, in every position he has 
held, to promote the welfare of his fellow-citizens 
and increa.se the pro.sperity of the town in which 
he makes his home. He has also been largely 
interested in the shipment of grain. 

The Paulucci family is of Italian lineage, its 
members for many generations having been among 
the mo.st prominent and honorable citizens of that 
country. Longevity has been a noted character- 
istic of the family; and not only that, but its mem- 
bers have also been conspicuous for retaining 
their mental and physical powers until very ad- 
vanced years. Almo.st without exception, they 
have been men of powerful physique and com- 



1 62 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



manding appearance. Mauj^ of that name were 
officers in the army, and our subject is the de- 
scendant, in the fourth generation, of tlie Com- 
mander-in-Chief of the Italian army. 

The grandfather of our subject, Peter L. Pau- 
lucci, was born in Italy, whence he went to Eng- 
land and engaged in the manufacture of brick 
and tile. His death occurred at the age of one 
hundred and four years. Our subject's father, 
James, was a brickmaker by trade, and was thus 
engaged in England. In 1850 he emigrated to 
America and settled at Chatham, Canada, where 
he entered upon the occupation of a farmer. He 
continued to reside at that place until his death, 
in 1868, at the age of sevent^'-five. His wife, 
Elizabeth Simpkins, was of English ancestry, but 
little is known concerning the hi.story of her fam- 
ily. She died two years prior to the demise of 
her husband. 

There were five sons and four daughters in the 
parental family, and of these Joseph was fourth in 
order of birth. William, who was a lacemaker 
in England, came to America in 1870 and settled 
in Belle Center, Ohio, where he remained until 
his death, in 1891. Eliza was married to Matthew 
Thonilin.son, who was a lace manufacturer at 
Chatham, Canada; her death occurred in 1893. 
Isabella became the wife of William Oldershaw, a 
brickniason of Chatham. Israel, a musician by 
profession, is a re.sident of Chatham. Elizabeth 
is the wife of George Munk, a farmer, whose 
home is in Chatham. Ann is Mrs. James Com- 
mode. George A. is a pork-packer and specula- 
tor at Chatham, and is also extensively engaged 
in buying and selling beans, making larger 
shipments of this article than anyone in the Do- 
minion. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Staple- 
ford, Nottinghamshire, England, November 6, 
1823. In his native land he learned the trade of 
a brick and tile manufacturer, but believing that 
America offered better opportunities than his own 
country, he emigrated hither in 1848, and se- 
cured work as a connnon laborer on the Big 
Four Railroad at Cleveland, receiving eighty 
cents per day. Two years later he came to Ken- 
ton, where he was similarly employed until his 



promotion to the position of section foreman. 
Posses.sing, however, the ability that fitted him 
for a more responsible place, he received gradual 
promotions, until he became roadma.ster, which 
position he held for over twenty years, resigning 
about 1873. He was repeatedly urged to resume 
his connections with the company, the officials 
saying they would paj- him any salary he might 
ask. While working in that capacity he built 
the road from London to Columbus, and rebuilt 
it from Springfield to London. 

Taking advantage of his knowledge of where 
the road was going, Mr. Paulucci purcha.sed large 
tracts of land in this locality, and during the war 
made a fortune in buying and selling real estate. 
During this time he became identified with 
what was known as the Paulucci, Espej' & 
Williams Bank in Kenton, of which he was 
made President. This institution was merged 
into the Hardin Savings Bank, and he was 
continued as President. Finally the First Na- 
tional Bank was established, with himself at 
its head, and he continued in that responsible 
office for a number of years, until failing health 
obliged him to retire both from the railroad busi- 
ness and the bank. His attention is now given 
to the oversight of his valuable property interests, 
which include considerable \'aluable real estate 
upon the public square in Kenton, propertj- on 
Columbus, Franklin and Market Streets, a fine 
farm of two hundred and forty acres near this 
city, and a valuable estate of three hundred and 
twentj' acres in Wabaunsee Comity, Kan. 

In the truest sen.se of the word Mr. Paulucci is 
self-made, as he rose from a very humble position 
in life to one of affluence. He is strictly temper- 
ate, hone.st and straightforward in all his deal- 
ings, and is very charitable to tho.se less fortunate 
than himself. His marriage, in 1853, united 
him with Miss Margaret Julia Brown, of Belle 
Center, Ohio, a member of an old \'irginia fam- 
ily. She was a member of the Methodi.st Episco- 
pal Church and died in 1888, after having become 
the mother of seven children: James L.; George 
H. ; Joseph P. ; Emma Elizabeth, the wife of War- 
ren Filler, of Colorado; Margaret Ann; Dora 
May, wife of H. Iv. Iliestand, of Kenton; and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



163 



William Ray. Though never willing to accept 
official positions, Mr. Paulucci may always be re- 
lied upon to support the principles of the Democ- 
racy, and in his political views he is stanch and 
loyal to the platlorni of his chosen party. 



> 






jILLIAM SWAZEY AYE, a lifelong resi- 
dent of Marion County, and one who has 
been identified with its history throughout 
the entire period since its organization, was born 
here September 19, 1821. The family of which 
he is a member originated in Germany, and the 
first representative in this country was his great- 
grandfather, who settled in Fredericktown, Md., 
about 1760, and there opened a cabinet-shop. 
He married, but died when his oidy child was 
about six months old. The latter, our subject's 
grandfather, married Katharine Dutrow when he 
was about eighteen years old, and they reared 
nine children, the fifth of whom was Jacob, our 
subject's father. 

The birth of Jacob Aye occurred in Washing- 
ton County, Md., February- 22, 1793, and he was 
nine years old when the family moved to Berke- 
ley County, Va. As German was the language 
used in the home, he could not speak a word of 
English at the time of settling in the Old Domin- 
ion. For two years the family cultivated a rent- 
ed farm, planting seventy-five acres to grain one 
year. They then moved to Washington County, 
Pa., where they sojourned for two years, and from 
there came to Ohio, and in 1806 settled in Berk- 
shire, Delaware County. In the spring of that 
year the father and grandfather of our subject 
went to Berkshire and planted some corn and po- 
tatoes, then returned to harvest their wheat in 
Washington County, whence they again came to 
Ohio in November. 

The journey to this state was one of hardship 
and nianv trials. The roads were in a terrible 



condition, consisting in many places of a trail cut 
through the forest. The ground was soft and full 
of roots. Grandfather Aye brought five horses 
and a large Pennsylvania wagon, but the roads 
being very crooked in the woods, he could use 
only four of the horses in the wagon. Traveling 
from Granville to Berkshire, the wagon stuck in 
the mud, and the weather having suddenly 
turned cold, the family suffered greatly, and one 
daughter had her feet frozen. 

During the first few years the family spent in 
Delaware County, they suffered great privations 
and endured many hardships, being often de- 
prived of what are usually considered the actual 
necessities of life. For salt they were sometimes 
obliged to pay $5 per bushel, and often were un- 
able to secure it even at that price. Wheat and 
corn were also scarce. When after arduous labor 
they succeeded in clearing the land and putting in 
a crop, the birds and wild animals that abounded 
in the couuty took the largest share of the grain. 
In order to protect the corn from the ravages of 
animals, it was made a custom, when the corn was 
in roasting ear, for our subject's father and his 
eldest brother to go through the field in the early 
part of the night, while the grandfather and a 
younger son took their places during the latter 
part of the night. 

So meager were the educational advantages at 
that time that our subject's father attended .school 
only nine months during a period of nine years. 
In 18 1 2 the rifle company to which he belonged 
was called out and sent to Lower Sandusky (now 
Fremont) for the purpose of building a fort. He 
was there at the time of Hull's surrender, and on 
learning of it the troops at once beat a hasty re- 
treat homeward. He walked all the way back, 
carrying his rifle and knapsack and the sword 
and knapsack of his brother John, who was First 
Lieutenant of the company, but had gone home 
on account of .serious illness. The .soldiers camped 
not far from Big I.sland, and as it had been rain- 
ing for many hours they had trouble in getting 
fire from their flint and steel, but finally suc- 
ceeded. With the twofold annoyance of rain and 
mosquitoes Mr. Aye was unable to sleep, but his 
comrade was undisturbed bv the circumstances. 



164 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



At break of day they resumed the march, and on 
reaching the Little Scioto found it had overflowed 
its banks. They were obliged to wade across, 
the water coming up to their necks. They soon 
reached the Radner .settlement, where Mr. Aye 
left his knapsacks with his brother-in-law, John 
Foss. 

On arriving in Delaware, Mr. Aye found almost 
all the people had fled, fearing an attack from 
the Indians. Two or three miles east of the town 
he met his brother Henry on horseback, cau- 
tiously peering through the brush to .see if any 
Indians were lurking around. The family had 
attempted to flee, but John was too ill to be re- 
moved, and they had decided to remain, and, in 
the event of the worst, to die together. Nearly 
every house in the neighborhood was deserted. 

Soon after the war Jacob Aye was elected Cap- 
tain of a company that met in Berk.shire, and 
served for five years. In 1820 he married Re- 
becca Hj'de, a uative of Lenox, Mass., who had 
come from there to Ohio about two years before, 
and had taught school the two summer seasons 
prior to their marriage. After their union in 
November, they moved into a log cabin about a 
mile and a-quarter northeast of Claridon, where 
our subject was born. In the spring of 1823 Mr. 
Aye sold this eighty-acre tract to Vincent Douce, 
and with his brother Henrj' bought eighty acres 
southeast of Caledonia Corners, near the corpora- 
tion. The surrounding country was heavily tim- 
bered, and although the population was then 
small, settlers arrived rapidly, many ot them com- 
ing from England. 

About 1824 the men of the neighborhood cut 
logs, hauled them to a suitable location south of 
Caledonia, and built a round log house in which 
to hold religious meetings. In that primitive 
structure our subject and his sister were baptized 
by James Gilruth. It was the first hou.se built 
for public worship in Claridon Township. David 
Bennett, a cooper, and Mr. Aye made the first 
coffin put in the bnrj-ing-ground, constructing it 
of a wagon-box. There was a great deal of sick- 
ness in those early days, chills and fevers espec- 
ially being prevalent. 

Indians were frequent visitors at tin.- home of 



Mr. Aye. From old Tom Lyon, a Delaware In- 
dian, Mrs. Aye secured a butter ladle that is still 
in regular use in the family of our subject. On 
one occa.sion, when alone, Mrs. Aye observed 
some one pa.ss around the house; the door latch 
was gently raised, the door pushed open, and a 
large Indian came into the room. He began to 
talk in broken Hngli.sh, and to make her under- 
stand drew a large butcher knife from beneath 
his jacket. On seeing it she screamed, and he 
drew back and left. A few days later he met her 
husband and explained to him that he wanted to 
sell her a broom made of a hickory sapling by 
stripping the wood in small splints, and had at- 
tempted to explain to lier with his knife the pro- 
cess of manufacture. 

On another occasion two Indians came to the 
house and bought the dog, a large and ferocious 
beast that Mr. Aye never set on anything unless 
he wanted to kill it. For this thej' gave $1.50 
in mcney, a red cotton shawl and a cotton hand- 
kerchief A few daj-s afterward the dog came 
back with a terrible gash in his neck,, the result 
doubtless of a conflict with wild hogs. Mrs. Aye 
put ointment on the wound and tied a cloth 
around his neck. In a few days the Indians came 
and took him away, and they never saw him 
afterward. 

Alx)ut 1824 John Allen erected a sawmill on 
the creek south of the Thew Cemetery. The 
neighbors volunteered their ser\-ices and put in 
the dam, Mr. Aye working at it several days. 
After two years a flood took out the dam, which 
was never rebuilt. About the same time Nijah 
Rice built a mill just south of Claridon, and Com- 
fort Olds erected a horse-mill on the farm now 
owned by Harvey Coen. Previous to these im- 
provements Mr. Aye went to Delaware to mill. 

Early in 1826 Mr. Aye and his brother Henry 
sold their place and each entered eighty acres in 
Canaan Township, now Morrow County. They 
followed a trail over four and one-half miles, se- 
lected a suitable site, hauled as many logs as pos- 
sible, and in a few days returned, fourteen men 
strong, finished cutting the logs, put up the 
house, made the clapboards and cut out a door and 
a fireplace, all in one day. Into tluit primitive 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



165 



structure the family moved about the ist of April. 
The father planted three and one-half acres to 
corn on the i8th of June and raised a good crop. 
In the spring of the following year (1827) he 
planted nine acres, but unfortunately the squir- 
rels ate more than half the corn in the roasting 
ear, and the family had therefore but little for 
themselves. They sold a cow to John Hinds, 
receiving corn in exchange, but they were again 
unfortunate in having their hogs stolen by thieves, 
leaving them almost entirely without meat. 

During a vi-sit to his daughter. Grandfather 
Hyde made a loom for her, and .she took in weav- 
ing, which aided in supporting the family. Day 
after day she plied the loom early and late, the 
children helping her with the spooling and quilt- 
ing. In the harvest season Mr. Aye went out to 
reap, receiving a bushel of wheat a da)- in return 
for his work. About that time they had their 
last visit from an Indian, Peter Standingstone, as 
he was called, who brought with him a dozen 
ponies. One morning it rained so that he was 
unable to hunt and he came to the house, where 
he enjoyed a hearty dinner. A day or two later 
he brought to Mrs. Aye the forequarter of a 
young deer. 

The first school our subject attended was in the 
summer of 1828. The building was near the 
present site of Denmark, and the path to it was 
marked by blazed trees. He attended there about 
six weeks, his sister accompanying him, and the 
following j^ear they went about the same length 
of time. In 1829 the Mt. Vernon and Marion 
state road was opened through here. In January, 
1 83 1, Mr. Aye moved .seven miles east of Dela- 
ware, where he took charge of a mill for Grand- 
father Hyde. On the death of his brother-in-law 
he bought his share from the heirs, but afterward 
sold the mill and moved back to the farm, in the 
spring of 1834. 

One object in moving to Delaware County had 
been to secure better school advantages for the 
children. On returning, they were obliged to 
work on the farm in the summer and walk a long 
distance to school in the winter. In the fall of 
1837 the people of the neighborhood built a log 
schoolhou,se on the township line of Claridon and 



Canada Townships, and in this building our sub- 
ject was a pupil four winter terms. In the spring 
of 1 84 1 he attended a select school taught by J. J. 
Williams in Marion, and this was the last of his 
schooling. Afterward he taught eleven months, 
boarding himself and receiving $12 per month. 

October 10, 1844, Mr. Aye married Sarah Jane 
Mitchell, and they became the parents of eight 
children, of whom four are decea.sed. The others 
have married and are prosperous and highly re- 
spected citizens of the community in which they 
live. Upon the .same farm Mr. Aye and his faithful 
wife lived and labored until April, 1894, ^"fl then 
came to Marion, where they celebrated the fiftieth 
anniversary of their marriage. They have lived to 
witness many wonderful changes throughout Ma- 
rion County. A vast extent of prairie grass, va- 
ried with flowers of everj^ hue, and the almost 
unbroken forest have been changed to fruitful 
fields dotted over with cozy farm houses. The for- 
est, with all its primitive grandeur, lives only in 
the memory of a few pioneers. Marion, from a 
hamlet of one store and a few houses, has grown 
to the importance of a city, with all modern im- 
provements and the home of cultured, prosperous 
and wealthy people. 



^P 



pQlLLIAM vSTUCK. Prominent among the 
\ A / capable and efficient agriculturists of Har- 
V V '1'" County stands Mr. Stuck, who follows 
farming pursuits on section 17, Roundhead Town- 
ship. He was born in Crawford County, this 
state, near Bucyrus, October 17, 1840, and is the 
sou of William and Lydia (Kester) Stuck, natives 
of Peinisylvania, whence they came to the Buck- 
eye State in 1833, locating at once in White.stone 
Township, Crawford County, with whose inter- 
ests thej' became prominently identified in the 
years which followed. The father was a black- 
smith by trade, and on first coming here vvorked 
at this business at Bucyrus, or until his land be- 
gan to yield him an income. 



1 66 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Our subject had six brothers and sisters, two 
of whom are now deceased. Julia Ann married 
Samuel Slagle, and lived in Ft. Wayne, Ind., 
where her husband was engineer on the railroad, 
until meeting with an accident which resulted in 
his death; his wife died in 1892. Margaret mar- 
ried David Bair, and thej- occupied a good farm 
near Bucyrus until her death, in March, 1894. 
Franklin M. took to wife Julia Kramer, and 
they live in this locality on property of their own. 
Samuel married Caroline Andrews, and is an ag- 
riculturist in South Dakota. Eliza is now Mrs. 
George Bair, and lives near Bucyrus, where her 
husband was a farmer and well-digger; he died 
by accident in 1880. Solomon married Hannah 
Snyder, and is residing near Ft. Wa3'ne, Ind. 

The original of this sketch was united in mar- 
riage, December 8, 1864, with Miss Margaret 
Scott, who was born in December, 1840, in Knox 
County, near Mt. Vernon, and is the daughter of 
Martin and Elizabeth Scott, natives of Virginia. 
The children born of their union are nine in num- 
ber. Clarence married Floe McGrafF, and is en- 
gaged in teaching school at Silver Creek; Edward 
married Ivunice Dunlap and is engaged in farming 
in this localit}'. The others are all at home, and 
are named, respectively, Mellie, Harry, Clara, 
William, Thomas and Carol. The one who is de- 
ceased passed away in infancy. 

Our subject had just attained his majority the 
year in which the Civil War broke out, and Oc- 
tober 31 of that year he enlisted as a member of 
Company K, Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry, being 
mustered into ser\'ice at Mansfield. His regi- 
ment was at once sent to Loui.sville, Ky., by train 
and boat, and the first battle in which it partici- 
pated was fought at Shiloh. This was followed 
by the engagements at Corinth, luka, Stevenson, 
Ala., and others of importance. The Sixty-fourth 
was later ordered back to IvOuisville, and on the 
way occurred many skirmishes. Mr. Stuck was 
taken prisoner near Nashville, Tenn., and when 
released was discharged and returned to Biicyrus, 
where he made his home for several years. In 
1877 he came to Hardin County, locating at once 
in Roundhead Township, which section has been 
the scene of his operations ever since. He has 



always given his attention to mixed husbandry, 
and has on his place .several head of good stock, 
including liorses, cattle and hogs. 

Mr. Stuck, who is a stanch Democrat in politics, 
was elected President of the Town.ship Board of 
Trustees by his party, and has also filled the of- 
fices of Supervisor and School Director. He is 
public-spirited and takes a deep interest in the 
welfare and improvement of his home locality, 
being foremo.st in every enterprise which will in 
anj* way benefit the communitj' iti which he lives. 



IILLTAM WVLII': is one of the old citizens 
of Big Island Township, Marion County, 
his home being on section 1 1 . He is a na- 
tive of County Antrim, Ireland, born August 15, 
1822, and crossed the Atlantic with his parents, 
Matthew and Nancy (Orr) \\'ylie, in 1830. Set- 
tling in Montreal, Canada, he worked on a farm 
by the month until he had saved a sum sufficient 
to purchase a place of liis own. Later going to 
Michigan, he invested in land and lived there for 
.some time, when he became a resident of the Buck- 
eye State. His father is now living in Dakota, at 
the extreme old age of ninety-three years. 

Our subject is the only sur\-ivor of five chil- 
dren, the others being named Rachel, John, Ed- 
ward and Matthew, Jr. In 1844 he married 
Fannie, daughter of Artemus and Ann (Cook) 
Cushman, natives of Canada and Massachusetts, 
respectively, and descendants of "Mayflower" 
pilgrims. Mrs. Fannie Wylie was the fifth ot 
thirteen children. She was born in 1823, and 
died November 2, 1883, after becoming the 
mother of nine children. Violet married R. W. 
Messenger (son of Colonel Messenger), and lives 
in Kansas; William and Matthew are deceased; 
Lura is the wife of N. J. Messenger, another son 
of the Colonel; Ann married A. W. Messenger, 
of this county; Devilla is decea.sed; Edward D. 
is further referred to at the end of this article; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ihy 



John is deceased; George B. was born October 
22, 1864, andvSeptember 4, 1S89, married Bertha, 
daughter of John and Rachel Sappington, the 
former a farmer of this township. Their eldest 
son, John C, is still with them, while their other 
son, Charlie, is deceased. Mrs. Bertha Wylie 
was born in June, 1870, and by her marriage has 
become the mother of one child, Orla S., born 
September 17, 1894. George Wylie is a Demo- 
crat and .served as Township Clerk for four years. 
In religion he is a Presbyterian. 

Edward Wylie was born August 23, 1859, and 
now manages the homestead, being a thrifty and 
practical agriculturist. November 24, 1887, he 
married Mary Osborn, who.se birth occurred May 
18, 1866. She is one of the eight living chil- 
dren born to John and Hannah (Lewis) Osborn, 
natives of Ohio, the others being: Samuel; Mrs. 
Margaret Thomson, Elson, William, Eva, Annie 
and Lydia. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Edward 
Wylie is graced by two bright .sons: Harry, born 
November 21, 1888; and Johnnie, Octobers, 1890. 



l@. ^ifjf 



EHARLES S. TIDD, one of the .sterling old 
farmers of Hardin County, owns a good es- 
tate in Roundhead Township, which he has 
developed and cultivated to a high degree. One 
of tho.se hardy pioneers who prepared a highway 
for civilization, he has from his early arriv'al in 
this region been active in the ui)buikhng and 
prosperity of the county. 

Mr. Tidd was born in Logan Counts-, this 
state, near Bellefontaine, February 6, 1821. His 
parents were Samuel and Rebecca (Hill) Tidd, 
natives of Pennsylvania, whence they came to 
this state in an early day in its history. The 
father was a fifer in the War of 1812. After com- 
ing to Ohio he worked at his trade, that of a 
blacksmith, until coming to Roundhead Town- 
ship, in 1822. In February of that year he lo- 



cated on .section 16, and, ])nrchasing a quarter- 
.section of wild land, gave the greater ])art of his 
attention to its cultivation, although when ready 
money was needed, he worked at his trade until 
his land began to yield good returns. Althougli 
the Indians were numerous in the locality, they 
never proved troublesome, as Mr. Tidd knew ju.st 
how to manage and humor them. Being the only 
blacksmith there for many years, he was called 
upon to repair vehicles and tools of every de- 
scription, and often made bells, knives and even 
tomahawks for the settlers. A Democrat in poli- 
tics, he was at various times called upon to rep- 
resent his fellow pioneers in po.sitions of tru.st. 
He was a well informed man on all subjects of 
importance relating to his occupation and trade, 
but this knowledge was not gleaned in the school- 
room, ,is his attendance there was of very short 
duration. 

The brothers and sisters of our subject were 
eight in number, and bore the respective names 
of Betsey, Polly, vSallie, Hugh H., Martin, 
Nancy, Peggy and Jane. Of this large family 
Charles is the only survivor. February 16, 1843, 
he was married, in Roundhead Township, to Mar- 
garet A. McKennon, the daughter of Uriah and 
Nancy (Inskepp) McKennon, natives of Ken- 
tucky and Virginia, respectively. On coming to 
this state the parents of Mrs. Tidd located in 
Clark County, and engaged in farming through- 
out life. They had a family of .seven children, 
four of whom are now living. Mr. McKennon 
was .1 local preacher in the Methodist Epi.scopal 
Church, and a man of influence in hisconnnunity. 

To Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Tidd were born nine 
children. Uriah Holmes was born December 26, 
1843, and during the late war served as a mem- 
ber of Ccnnpany B, One Hundred and Eighteenth 
Ohio Infantry, for a period of three years; he is 
now deceased. John Halsey was born November 
8, 1845, and died June 31, 1846. Martin Girard, 
who was born October 17, 1847, married Eli/.a 
Machan, and is now farnung in this locality. 
Maria Adeline was born February 27, 1850, and 
died March 7, 1867. Calvin Hill was born Feb- 
ruary 4, 1853, and died August 11 of the fol- 
lowing jear. George Le.ster, who was born De- 



1 68 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



cember 14, 1855, married Jennie Zimmerman and 
now lives near Belle Center, this state. Olive 
Ann was born August 26, 1858, and died Decem- 
ber II, 1863. Enieline D. was born January 2, 
1862, and is the wife of Levi Stinson, of Round- 
head Township. Charles Wesley was born Oc- 
tober 18, 1865, and lives at home. 

In 1867 the original of this sketch took charge 
of the home fann, as his father was very feeble 
and unable to look after its operation. It is due 
to him that a large portion of the land was cleared, 
and in carrj^ing on this work cattle were used in- 
stead of horses. In order to procure bread stuff for 
the family a journey of ten miles was made to the 
nearest mill. 

Mr. Tidd may be ju.stly termed self-made, for 
it is owing to his private reading and study, to- 
gether with his experience of the world, that he 
has won his large fund of information and prac- 
tical knowledge. He has on his farm large num- 
bers of horses, cattle and sheep, and gives his at- 
tention entirely to looking after the interests ol 
his estate. Mrs. Tidd is a member of the Protes- 
tant Methodist Church. In politics Mr. Tidd 
never fails to cast a ballot in favor of Democratic 
candidates. 



III.LIAM K. KENNEDY is one of the 
worthy old settlers of Tully Town.ship, 
Marion County, and has owned and man- 
aged the farm where his present home is lo- 
cated for fiftj--one j-ears. Among his friends 
and neighbors he is considered an authority on 
matters pertaining not only to agriculture, but 
also to questions of politics and general moment. 
He cast his first Presidential ballot for Martin 
V^an Buren, and has always adhered to the Dem- 
ocracy. From time to time he has been called 
upon to sen-e in public offices, among which have 
been Constable, Trustee and Supervisor of the 
township. He is an extensive land-owner, hav- 



ing three hundred and seventy-five acres in his 
home farm, and his possessions altogether amount 
to some eight hundred and twetitj- acres. This 
.shows what may be achieved bj' a young man 
who possesses energy and ambition, for he began 
his active life without a dollar, his onlj- capital 
being a good constitution and a strong deter- 
mination. 

A native of Mifflin County, Pa., our subject was 
born near the village of Waterloo, February 16, 
1818. His father, Thomas Kennedy, likewise a 
native of the Keystone Slate, was of Irish descent, 
and his mother was in her girlhood a Miss Nancy 
Kerr. She became the mother of five sons and 
five daughters, of whom William was the first- 
born. He was born and reared on a farm in his 
native state, and made the journey to Ohio with 
his parents in 1832, by team. The family lo- 
cated near Bucyrus, Crawford County, and it 
was in that locality that our subject first gained 
an independent living. For seven years he worked 
for farmers by the month, receiving from $10 to 
$12 for his ser\dces. 

In 1844 William Kennedy removed to this 
county, and bought eight)' acres of land on sec- 
tion 17. A part of this had been improved, and 
a log cabin stood on the place. At the end of 
three years the owner purcha.sed another farm 
adjoining, and here he has continued to live ever 
since. He was married, May 28, 1844, to Mar- 
garet, daughter of Jacob and Lydia Shank. She 
bore him nine children, and was yet in the prime 
of life when she was summoned by death. May 
28, i860. The eldest child, Lydia J., married 
Samuel Baker, a farmer of Crawford County; 
Thomas S., a stock dealer and farmer, also 
lives in Crawford County; Martha, who became 
the wife of George Watts, a farmer, died when 
thirty-seven years of age; William J. is a resi- 
dent of Big I.sland Township, tliis county; Emma 
married Madison Roberts, a farmer of Big Island 
Town.ship; Anzilla is the wife of George Watts, 
of Polk Township; Ella, whose home is in this 
township, is Mrs. John Hill; and two children 
died in infancy. 

January 23, 1862, Mr. Kennedy and Miss Marj' 
Lance were united in marriage. The ladj' was 




HON. lAICKlCTT Mi;SSi;Nt'.i;K. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



171 



born January 25, 1827, in Pennsjlvania, and is a 
daughter of George and Susan (Mears) Lance, 
of German and English extraction, respectively. 
Mrs. Kennedy came to this county with her par- 
ents when she was only about four weeks old, the 
journey hither being made by team. Mr. Lance 
.settled in wliat is now Crawford County, paying 
fi.25 per acre for eighty acres of Government 
land. There he continued to make his home un- 
til he was summoned to his final rest. Mr. and 
Mrs. Kennedy have only one child, Mira, who is 
the wife of Ellsworth Jones, a farmer of Craw- 
ford County. 

Both our subject and his estimable wife received 
their educations in the old-fashioned log schnol- 
hou.ses of their j'outh. Mrs. Kennedy is a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Church, and, like her hus- 
band, lends a helping hand to worthy benevolent 
and religious objects. Our suliject has been 
quite extensively engaged in stock-raising, and 
in tliis, as in nearly everything which he under- 
takes, he has met with success. 



HON. EVERETT MESSENGER, decea.sed, 
was one of the pioneers of Marion County, 
having come here as early as 1825, and from 
that time until his death was intimately associat- 
ed with the upbuilding and progress of this sec- 
tion. He represented this Congres.sional District 
in the State Legislature to the entire satisfaction 
of his friends and constituents for two terms, and 
his per.sonal popularity was manifested by the 
fact of his election on the Republican ticket in a 
strongly Democratic region. From his boyhood 
he was devoted to agricultural pursuits, and was 
a thoroughl)' practical, industrious and energetic 
man. 

Reuben Messenger, father of our .subject, was a 
native of Connecticut, and died in Wa.shington 
County, Ohii\ in 1S43, aged sixty-eight years. 
His wife, the mother of Everett Messenger, was 
also a native of that state, and before her marri- 

4 



age was a Miss Hainiah Pain. Their union was 
blessed with ten children, unly t'nwv of whom are 
now li\'ing. The faniil>- emigrated to Marion 
Ctiunty in 1825, and setlleil on a farm in Big Isl- 
and Township, where they have since been well 
known and respected by all. 

Like his parents before him, l'',\'erett Messen- 
ger was l.)iirn in the Nutmeg State, the date of the 
event being" August I, 181 i. He continued to 
live under the parental roof until reaching his 
majority, and was well instructed in the duties 
pertaining to the management (it a farm. When 
he set up in Ijusiness for himself he invested 
what money he had managed to save from time to 
time in stock, buying and selling the same. At 
length he was enabled to purchase a tract of land, 
some eighty acres, and to this he added others 
until he was known as one of the most extensive 
projierty-owners in the county. His estate and 
that of four hundred acres belonging to his wife 
mnnbered eighteen hundred acres at the time of 
his demise. 

August 7, 1834, Mr. Mes.senger married Eliza- 
beth M. Johnson, onl>- child of Caleb and Jane 
( Mattson ) Johnson, who were natives of Rhode 
Island and Vermont, respectively The former 
was born in 1784, and the latter in 1789, and 
their marriage took place January 31 , 1819. Mrs. 
Messenger was born July 20, 1820, and b>- her 
marriage to our subject became the mother of ten 
children, viz.: Jane, Lucy, Hannah, Caleb, Reu- 
ben, Newton, Mary E., E\'erett, Jr., Johnson C. 
and Joseph 1. The last-named is now in Oregon 
with his sister Mary, Mrs. Van Houten; Newton 
is a resident of Omaha, Neb.; Reuben lives in 
Brown County, Kan.; Everett and Johnson are 
managing the old liomestead; and the others are 
deceased. 

For many years Mr. Messenger was interested 
financially in the Chicago Stock Yards, but his last 
days were devoted solely to his farm and home. 
He was ever ready to lend a helping hand to 
those who were worthy and in need of a little time- 
ly a.ssistance, and many .such a one remembers 
him with truest gratitude and tenderness. The 
founders of new enterprises and industries were 
always anxious to obtain the influenccof his sane- 



172 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tion and recommendation, for his word carried 
weight with all those who knew him. When 
death claimed him at the close of a good and use- 
ful life he was universally mourned, and, though 
fifteen years have passed since then, his memory- 
is yet held dear by hosts of his old friends. He 
entered into rest Januarj' 20, 1880, and was bur- 
ied in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. In the Church 
of God, with which he was identified, and to 
which his wife still belongs, he was a valued and 
zealous worker. 



3^E 



nOHN vSMITH was one of the early settlers of 
I Hardin County, and for over two decades 
Qj was one of the enterprising and successful 
fanners of Pleasant Township. In the year 1S65 
he brought his bride to the home where she has 
.since resided, and here he was called to his final 
rest on the 5th of April, 1887, leaving a host of 
sincere friends, who hold his memory dear. He 
was a man of high moral character, and thou.gh 
not a church member was a practical Christian. 
In all his transactions with his fellow-men he was 
just and faithful to his word in ever>- instance. 

The birth of John Smith occurred in Kenton, 
April 2, 1S35, his parents being Robert and 
Catherine (Houser) Smith, who were married in 
Kenton, May 27, 1834. The father was born in 
Richland County, Ohio, about 1S08, and removed 
to Kenton in 1833. He learned the carpenter's 
trade and followed the bu.siness all his life in con- 
nection with farming, and entered the land which 
was afterwards owned by his .son. His death 
occurred January 16, 1S62. His father, Thomas 
Smith, the grandfather of our subject, was a na- 
tive of Maine, and emigrated to Richland County 
very early in this century. He and some of his 
sons were in the War of 181 2 and also in the 
Mexican War. The grandfather also .sen-ed as 
Justice of the Peace for over twent>--one years. 
In 1853 he fell from a cherry tree and broke his 
neck. Catherine Smith was born in Union Coun- 



ty, Ohio, December 14, 1816, being a daughter 
of John and Barbara (Bibber) Houser, who were 
married in Union County. They had seven chil- 
dren, namely: Polly, Catherine, Isaac, Anna, 
Sarah, Eliza and I.saiah. After the death of his 
first wife John Houser married Mrs. Su.san Shaf- 
fer, by whom he had a son, George. 

John Smith was three years of age when his 
father removed to this township, and here he grew 
to manhood, attending Greenleaf District School 
until about twenty years of age. His brother, 
Thomas, lives near Wolf Lake, Noble County, 
Ind., and his only sister, Mar>' Ann, died in 
1S50. The property on which Thomas lives fell 
to him by inheritance from his father, and the 
home farm, with the mother's interest, came to 
our subject. The latter was married, Januarj- i, 
1865, to a neighbor's daughter, Lorain Myers. 
She was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, No- 
vember 24, 1843, to Reason W. and Elizabeth 
(Runyon) Myers, who were married in Jefferson 
County, Ohio, June 27, 1832. The former, a na- 
tive of that county, was born October 30, 1812, 
and moved to Stark County, Ohio, in 1836, and 
ten years later settled in Tu.scarawas County, 
Ohio, where he died March 19, 1886. He ser\-ed 
many terms as Township Trustee, and was very- 
successful in his bu.sine.ss undertakings. At the 
time of his death he owned nearly eight hundred 
acres of fine land and fifteen hundred head of 
sheep. When he was married his wife had about 
$600, but he was in debt for more than that 
amount, and together they accumulated their 
handsome fortune by economy and hard work. 
They were members of the Christian Church for 
years and took an active part in religious and 
benevolent enterpri.ses. Reason W. was a son of 
George Myers, who died in 1831, aged about 
sixty-five years. The latter married Susan Schus- 
ter, who, like himself, was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, and at a very early day they settled on 
Yellow Creek, near Steubenville, Ohio. 

Elizabeth Myers, daughter of Lewis and Sarah 
(Pangborn) Runyon, was born February 26, 
181 1. Her parents moved to New Jersey, thence 
to Knoxville, Jefferson County, Ohio, in 18 19. 
Lewis Runyon was for some time employed in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



17; 



the salt works near Kiioxville, and died in the 
spring of 1^43. His wife survived him until 
1870, dying at an advanced age. Their family 
comprised eleven children, namely: Philip, Eliza- 
beth, Catherine, Sallie, Albert, Caroline, Louisa, 
Lucy, Nancy J., Mary and Lewis. Mary is the 
wife of Dr. T. C. Walker and is now living with 
her daughter, Mrs. Charles Coons, of Canton, 
Ohio. Lucy married Elijah Crawford, and is 
living near Atchison, Kan. 

Mrs. Lorain Smith is one of ten children, four 
of whom died in infancy. Her eldest sister, Sa- 
rah, and her sister Minerva, Mrs. Mitchell Smith, 
of Canton, Ohio, are also deceased. Lucinda is 
the wife of Israel Painter, of Coldwater, Mich.: 
Caroline, now living in Oregon, is the widow of 
William McBride; and Jennie is Mrs. Alfred 
Bailey, of Canton. Three children have blessed 
the union of John vSniith and wife. William, born 
March 23, 1.S66, died November 10, 1875: Earl 
was born December 26, i.'~!74; and Flora, Jul\' 7, 
1877. Mrs. Smith is now conducting the home 
farm with the as.sistance of her son. She is a 
member of the Christian Church at Kenton and 
is a most estimable lady, having many warm 
friends among her acquaintances. Mr. Smith 
was a Democrat and for a nundier of years was a 
member of the Grange. 



^^^i-^-i^il^^i^ 



jILLIAM C. RAPP, a prominent and suc- 
cessful business man of Marion, is the pro- 
prietor of a large harness and saddlerv es- 
tablishment, which he has conducted for several 
years. He is a man of great ability, and for two 
)-ears was Fire Marshal, and for four years was 
City Marshal, of Marion. 

Mr. Rapp was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, 
July 21, 1844, and is the .son of Jacob Rapp, a 
well to-do farmer of the Fatherland. He set sail 
for America with his family in 1852, and after 
landing on American shores continued his west- 
ward journey until Marion County, this state, was 



reached. Here he located on a farm not far 
from this city, but before they could become 
fully acquainted with their new surrouiulings 
they were both seized witli the cholera and died. 
This was in 1S54, just two years after lea\'ing 
their native land. They left at their decease 
nine children, all of whom attained mature years, 
but at the present writing only three are living. 
George D. served as a soldier in the Civil War, 
in the Fourth Ohio Regiment, and was killed at 
the battle of Frederick.sburg; Frederick, who was 
also a soldier at that time, fought in the Eighty- 
second Ohio Infantry, and on his return from the 
battlefield located in Indiana, where he died in 
1S74. 

After the death of his parents our subject was 
cared for b>' vSamuel Snyder, a farmer in the lo- 
cality of their home, who was very kind to him 
and gave him every advantage for securing a 
connnon-.school education. He was a member of 
his household on the outbreak of the late war, 
and, being fired with the spirit of patriotism, 
enlisted, in August, 1S62, joining Compan>- B, 
One Hundred and Twent>-first Ohio Infantrj-. 
His regiment was ordered to the front and young 
Rapp did valiant service in the battles of Perry- 
ville, Franklin, Cliickamauga, Mission Ridge, 
and also in those of the Atlanta campaign. 
When on the charge at Kenesaw Mountain he 
was wounded in the left arm, thus rendering him 
unfit for further active service. He w^as sent to the 
hospital at Nashville, from there to Columbus, 
and later to Cleveland, where he was honorably 
discharged, May 25, 1865. 

After his experience in the army our subject 
went on a farm near Marion, where he remained 
until the .spring of i86g. Being at that time 
fully recovered from the effects of life on the bat- 
tlefield, he returned to the city, anxious once more 
to engage in business for himself. That year he 
opened up a grocery, which he operated success- 
fully for eight years, at the expiration of which 
time he disposed t)f his business, being appointed 
driver of the fire engine. He was the incumbent 
of this position for two years, and the following 
four years was City Marshal. Refusing at the 
i end of that time to be an office-holder any longer. 



174 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



he established himself in the business in which 

he is now engaged, dealing in saddlery, harness, 
trunks, etc. 

Mr. Rapp was married, in 187 1, to Miss Clara 
Idleman. She died three years later, leaving a 
son, Orlando, who is now a student in the Hills- 
dale (Mich.) College. In May, 1883, our .sub- 
ject chose for his second companion Mrs. Ida M. 
Walters, of Marion. By her fir.st marriage she 
had two children, Claud C. and Bertha B. Mr. 
Rapp is very prominent in the various .social or- 
ders of the city, being Pa.st Chancellor of the 
Knights of Pythias and Past Commander of the 
Grand Army Post, and as an Odd Fellow is in- 
fluential in his lodge. He is a strong Republican 
in politics and upholds the principles of his party 
on every occasion. His family occupy a beauti- 
ful home in the be.st portion of the city, by whose 
residents they arc held in high esteem. 



<X*+'H'**++'5"5''5"5'**++++*****+*+^ 



0AVID BAUGHMAN. Few citizens of Har- 
din County are more deserving of .special no- 
tice, or a prominent place in the history of 
the honored representative .settlers within her 
boundaries, than the gentleman whose name we 
place at tlie opening of this .sketch, and who has 
been a resident here since 1855. 

Our subject was born July 3, 18 19, in Allen 
County, this .state, to Henry and Mary (Aigler) 
Baughman, who were natives of Pennsylvania, 
but of Gennan descent. The paternal grandfa- 
ther on coming to America located in Bucks 
County, Pa., where he lived for a time, and then 
thought to Ijetter his condition by cultivating the 
fertile soil of the Buckeye State. He came liither 
when a young man, locating in Franklin County, 
where he first worked out at fifty cents per day. 
He was very industrious and economical, and 
when twenty-five years of age was married. With 
his wife he .settled on a tract of one hundred 
acres of wild land which he had purchased in an 
uninhabited jiart of the county, his only neigh- 



bors being Indians, who were not at all times as 
friendly as could be desired. He was determined, 
however, to obtain a goodly amount of land and 
' 'grow up with the country. ' ' Henry Baughman 
erected a little cabin built of logs, 18x26 feet in 
dimensions, and in this rude structure made his 
home until the year 1829. That year he di.s- 
posed of this property, and, moving to Sandu.sky 
County, this .state, purchased two hundred and 
forty acres, on which he made his home for a 
period of eight years. At the end of that time, 
his experience as a pioneer in a new country hav- 
ing proved a very hard one, he located in Colum- 
bus. His .stay there was of short duration, 
however, for we .soon find him living in Allen 
County, on two hundred and sixty acres of land. 
This he also took up in its wild state, and after 
erecting a dwelling for his family, and making 
them as comfortable as po.ssible, began again the 
task of subduing the primeval soil. He made 
many improvements in the seven 3-ears in which 
he was in possession of this farm, and after sell- 
ing it moved upon another place in the same 
county. Four j'ears afterward he traded this la.st 
estate for a farm of one hundred acres near St. 
John's, where he was residing at the time of his 
decea.se. He was a Democrat in politics and a 
valued member of the Methodist Kpi.scopal 
Church. 

David Baughman was united in marriage to 
Rebecca Beaver, and the four children who were 
born to them were Barbara Ann, Mary FHizabeth, 
Margaret and Rachel, all of whom are deceased. 
The wife and mother died in February, 1854, and 
May 9 of the following year Mr. Baughman 
married Catherine Oilman, of Hardin County. 
Their eight children are named, re.spectivelj', 
George W., Charles, Melissa, Lewis, Silas, Pres- 
ton, Amos and Sherman. 

When starting out for himself, our subject 
learned the blacksmith's trade, following this 
business for seven years in Shelby County. 
Abandoning this at the end of that time, he became 
a carpenter, and for about thirty years was thus 
employed at various places. In 1855, however, 
he made permanent location in Roundhead Town- 
ship, and since that time has given his attention 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



175 



to fanning. For the first twelve j-ears he farmed 
on a rented tract of one hundred and eight acres, 
which he later purchased. This piece of prop- 
erty is the same on which he now resides, and 
from the many improvements in the \va}- of 
dwelling and barns which have been placed there 
by our subject, the passer-by knows it to be owned 
by a man of progressive spirit and enterprise. 

Mr. Baughman has been School Director and 
Supervisor of his town.ship, and in politics, dur- 
ing his younger days, was an active worker in 
the ranks of the Republican party. 



MAMUEL STEWART was formerly one of 
/\ the influential citizens and foremost farmers 
1*1/ of Hardin County. He owned at one time 
about six hundred acres, all of which was sit- 
uated in Taylor Creek Township, and with the 
exception of one hundred acres he cleared the 
whole homestead during the (|uarter of a century 
that he lived thereon. He assisted in lajing out 
the roads, building schoolhouses, and in every 
possible way advancing the welfare of the com- 
munity in which he was interested. 

In the fall of 1735 a little part}- of Irisli emi- 
grants sailed from Belfast for the New World, 
and among the number was Samuel Stewart, an 
ancestor of the gentleman whose name heads this 
sketch. The latter's father, John T., was born 
in Dauphin County, Pa., March 3, 1781, and in 
1806 he and his brother Sanuiel came to Oliio, 
and bought fi\e hundred acres of land, which was 
then witliin the boundaries of Greene County. 
This tract they divided some ten years later, John 
retaining the .southern portion. March 2, 1S15, 
he married Ann, daughter of Robert and Ann 
Elder, who was born in Pennsylvania May 19, 
1798. They became the parents of a large family 
of children. Julia Ann, born in 1816, is the wife 
of David Anderson; Perry, born in 1S18, married 
Rhoda Wheeler; Elder R., born in 1820, wedded 
Rachel Jacoby; Samuel is the only one of the 



family who has been summoned to lay down life's 
burdens; Charles, born in 1825, first married a 
Miss Nichol.son and then married Jessie Mathew- 
son; James, born in 1827, married Rebecca Ja- 
coby; Thomas E., liorn in 1829, married Leila 
Marshall; Oscar N., Ijorn in 1832, married Ra- 
chel Nicholson; and William C, born in 1835, 
married Elizalx-th Sellars. The father died April 
if), 1850, and his wife li\'ed until Septemlier 24, 
1880. 

Sanuiel Stewart was l)orn in Clarke Count\-, 
Ohio, March 28, 1823, and there grew to man- 
hood. December 12, 1848, he was united in 
marriage with Mary A. Marshall, who was liorn 
June 19, 1825, likewise in Clarke County. Their 
marriage was graced with seven children, viz.; 
Marshall, born November 12, 1850; Ella, May 3, 
1852; Anna, decea.sed; Clia,se, born October 26, 
1856; Mar\', December 3, 1S61; I^lizabeth, Feb- 
ruary 24, 1865; and Kate, May 13, 1871. Ella 
is the wife of 1. W. Lewis, a merchant, and has 
three children. Chase is a lawyer in Spring- 
field, Ohio. Mary is the wife of Charles B. Corey, 
an insurance agent of Logan County, Ohio, and 
they have two li\ing children. I^lizabeth is the 
wife of Dr. J. J. ]5oon, of Mt. Victory, and they 
are the parents of three children. Kate is a resi- 
dent of Eellefontaine. 

In January, 1849, Sanuiel Stewart moved to 
Logan Coiintx', Ohio, where he bought one hun- 
dred and fifty acres of wild land. At the end of 
three years he sold out and embarked in a mer- 
cantile business at Yellow .Springs, Greene Coun- 
ty, remaining there until i860. In that year he 
moved to Hardin County, and from that time was 
engaged in the develo])ment of the farm which he 
had purchased here, and also successfully fol- 
lowed sheep-raising for several years. In 1870 
he was elected Count>' Commissioner, serving as 
such three years, and was also honored with the 
position of Township Trustee several years. In 
his political belief he was a Republican. He 
died in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, 
March 19, 18S8, aged sixty-five years. His faith- 
ful wife departed this life in July, 1890, when in 
her sixty-si.Kth year. 

Marshall Stewart grew to manhood in this town- 



176 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 



ship, gaining a good business education. In 187 1 
he went to Rushsylvania, where he was engaged 
in business for six years as a member of the firm 
of Lewis & Stewart. After selling out his in- 
terest there, he returned to the farm, and has 
since managed the old homestead. He, too, has 
made a success of sheep-growing, and of buying 
and selling the same, and ships mostly to Buffalo 
and New York markets. 

Februarj' 20, 1886, Marshall Stewart married 
Ollie Stevenson, who was born May 24, 1861, in 
this county, being a daughter of Samuel and 
Eliza Stevenson, the former of whom was killed 
while a member of Company E, Thirty-fourth 
Ohio Infantn-. Ida, a sister of Mrs. Stewart, 
married Frank Barney, a merchant of De Kalb 
County, Ind. The following children have been 
born to Marshall Stewart and his wife: Samuel, 
December 3, 1886; Thornton, April 20, 1889; 
Ella, May 3, 1892; and Harold, April 4, 1894. 

Politically Mr. Stewart is a Republican, and 
has officiated as Township Trustee and Treas- 
urer. His estimal)le wife is a member of the 
Pre.sbyterian Church, and takes a great interest 
in everything relating to religious work. 



{%. ...^5^^ ,@J 



I EWIS D. HAMILTON, M. 1)., in addition 
I C to being one of the leading physicians of 
|_2f Marion, is one of its most energetic and 
progressive citizens, and is widely known and 
highly esteemed. He was born on a farm in Del- 
aware County, this state, September 21, 1856. 
His father, John Hamilton, was a native of Ross 
County, Ohio, while the grandfather, by name 
Archibald Hamilton, was a .Scotchman, and born 
in the Highlands. He emigrated to America 
about (805, at once settling on a farm in Ross 
County. His residence there was of short dura- 
tion, however, and his next move found him in 



Delaware Countj', where his son, father of our 
subject, was born in 1810, our subject's birth oc- 
curring on the same farm in 1856. This piece of 
property iscon.sidered to be a verj- valuable tract, 
and has been in the family for over ninety years. 
It is said that the grandfather of our subject was 
of rojal birth, but as we have not the facts be- 
fore us as to the authenticity of this statement, 
we will here leave the reader in doubt. This we 
do know, that after coming to the United States he 
became one of the prominent pioneers of Ohio, 
and was successful in all that he undertook. 

The father of our subject was one of the found- 
ers of the first United Brethren Church organized 
in the state, and from that time until his death 
was one of its leading members and able support- 
ers. He died in 1875, from the effects of an in- 
jury-. His wife, formerly Miss Jeanette Cham- 
berlain, is a native of New York State, and is 
now living on the home place in Delaware County. 
She reared a family of se\'eral sons, of whom 
Daniel ser\-ed as a soldier in the Civil War, and 
was killed in battle. John L. is a prominent 
physician of Leavenworth, Kan. 

Lewis D. Hamilton, after spending his boyhood 
days on the farm and ma.stering all the branches 
taught in the common schools, went to Delaware, 
where he attended the Delaware High School. 
For several years thereafter he engaged in teach- 
ing, a part of the time in the district which he 
first attended. It was his desire, however, to 
follow a professional life, and in the fall of 1876 
he commenced the study of medicine in the office 
of Dr. E. H. Hyatt, of Delaware, who was then 
surgeon of the Big Four Railroad Company. 
Later he read under the instruction of Dr. D. N. 
Kinsman, who is now one of the noted professors 
in Starling Medical College. Subsequently he 
entered the Columbus Medical College, from 
which he graduated with honors in 1881. After 
receiving his diploma, he conunenced practice at 
Ostrander, Delaware County, where he remained 
until 1885. That year became to Marion, where 
he has met with the most wonderful success in 
the treatment of difficult cases, and by whose resi- 
dents he is held in the highest esteem. During 
the ten years in which he has been established 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



177 



here, he has not oiil)- built up an enviable repu- 
tation as a skillful physician, but has accumulated 
a comfortable competence. He is a self-made 
man in the fullest sense of the term, as he gained 
his present high standing entirely unaided. He 
is the President of the Marion County Medical 
Societ}' and is a prominent KniL'.ht (.)f Pythias 
and Knight Templar. He is connected by mem- 
bership with the Presbyterian Church, to the 
support of which he is a cheerful and liberal con- 
tributor. 

Dr. Hamilton was married, June 17, 1880, to 
Miss Ida David, of Delaware County. Their five 
children bear the respective names of Gail, Don 
T., Margery, Jeanette C. and Lewis D. The fami- 
ly occup3' a fine home on East Center Street, which 
is in the fine.st portion of the cit}-, and there enter- 
tain as their friends the best people of the county. 



0ZIAS WASHBURN. A position of influ- 
ence among the citizens of Marion Count>' 
is held bj' the gentleman whose name intro- 
duces this sketch, who is numbered among the 
substantial residents of Salt Rock Township, 
where his fine estate is located on section 15. 
His parents, Elias and Elizabeth ( Morral ) Wash- 
burn, reared a family of five children, of whom he 
was the first-born. John, the second child, is a 
farmer and stockman of this township; Sanford 
died at the age of thirt\--one )-ears; Howard E. is 
spoken ofel.sewhere in this volume: Rosanna mar- 
ried Dr. J. M. Cline, a prominent physician of 
Cleveland, Ohio. 

Elias Washburn was a native of this county 
and spent his entire life within its bounds. He 
was killed by lightning in i860, when thirty-five 
years of age. His parents, Ozias and Ency 
Washburn, were natives of New England, which 
section was the home of the family for many gen- 
erations back. Mrs. Elizabeth Washburn was 
born ni this town.sliip, and was the daughter of 
Samuel and Rosana (Sta\-lev ) Morral, the former 



of whom was born in Virginia in 1800. He made 
the journey to Pickaway County, this state, with 
his parents when quite young, and worked on the 
home farm until eighteen years old, when he took 
up his abode in Marion County, on a piece of raw 
land, which at that time was a i)art of the Wyan- 
ilot Indian Reservation. When this land was 
])laced upon the market he bought a quarter-.sec- 
tion, on which he had "squatted," and after im- 
l)ro\ing it, made it his home until his decease, at 
the age of eighty \'ears. He was one of the first 
settlers in this localit>-, and besides cultivating 
the soil was often called upon to auction land 
which had been \'acated. He was more than or- 
dinarily successful in his life's vocation, owning 
at one lime five hundred acres. Some time prior 
to his decease he .sold the right of way through 
his place to the Columbus & Toledo Railroad, 
which then named the present thriving village of 
Morral in his honor. His father, great-grand- 
father of Ozias, was a Scotchman, and after his 
location in the United States served as a soldier 
in the War of 1S12. His wife was of German 
extraction. Mrs. Washburn's mother was a na- 
tive of Virginia, and came to this countj- with her 
parents when cpiite small. She died here at the 
age of forty years. 

Ozias Wa.sliburn was a lad of nine years at the 
time of the death of his father. He continued to 
live at home, and as he grew older a.ssisted his 
brothers in carrying on the estate, which includ- 
ed four hundred acres. This he looked after and 
managed until the decease of his mother in 1888. 
In 1 88 1 the farm was divided and our subject 
still resides on his portion of the old homestead. 

November iS, 1891, Mr. Washburn was mar- 
ried to Miss Kate, daughter of Amos Tayhjr, 
wh(_)se sketch the reader will find on another 
]iage. To them has been born a daughter, Mil- 
dred, whose birth occurred vSeptember ly, 1892. 
Mr. Wa.shburn is a .stanch Republican in politics 
and has rendered his conununity valuable service 
as a member of the .School Board, and as Town- 
ship Clerk, Supervisor and Tru.stee. He has lieen 
Appraiser of I.,and, and at the present time is 
Trea.surer of his township. 

Mr. Washburn's jiosse.ssions aggregate two 



178 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



hundred and forty-seven acres, the greater part 
of which represents his own earnings. Besides 
being engaged in general agriculture, he makes 
a specialty of raising sheep. He has been great- 
ly prospered as a business man and is justly spok- 
en of as one of the substantial and representative 
farmers of Marion County. 



:^Q. 



3 AMEvS M. DAVIDSON. Among the many 
residents of Marion who deserve notice in 
this volume, J. M. Davidson is most certain- 
ly not one of the least. He is at present the 
eflficient and accommodating agent of the Colum- 
bus, Hocking Valley & Toledo Railroad Com- 
pany, which office he has held since 1891. 

Our subject is a nativeof Indiana, having been 
born in Hager.stown, May 21, 18.(6. His ftuher 
was Dr. E. H. David.son, a prominent physician 
of Indiana, whither he removed .some time ])rior 
to 1844, from his native state, Kentucky. He 
was born in Maysville, and departed this life in 
Celina, Mercer County, this .state, in 1872, at the 
home of our subject. 

Mrs. Elizabeth (Daugherty) David.son, the 
mother of our .subject, was a native of Hagers- 
town, Ind., and a most estimable lady, well liked 
by all who knew her. Her death took place sev- 
eral years prior to the demi.se of her husband. 
She reared a family of three children, of whom 
James M. is the only one now living. He was 
educated in the common schools of his native 
place, and when (juite young started out to make 
his own way in the world. His first move was to 
go lo vSt. Louis, where he took a course in a bus- 
iness college. Later, coming to Ohio, he en- 
gaged in the mercantile business, but this venture 
he abandoned in 1878, in order to accept a posi- 
tion with the Lake lirie & Western Railroad 
Company. Although this kind of work was very 
agreeable to him and one to which he seemed to 
be well adapted, he resigned a year later, and 



with others formed a company to operate a mine 
in Silver Cliff, Colo. They met with the same 
failure which many others did who expected to 
gain a fortune in theWe.st. Returning to Ohio, 
he was given his former position with the rail- 
road, with headquarters at Celina, and has been 
identified with various railroads in different parts 
of the countrj- from that time to the present. 

In January, 1891, Mr. Davidson came to Mar- 
ion and was given charge of the business of the 
railroad with which he is still connected. He 
possesses thorough knowledge of this particular 
branch of business, and is popular with all the 
residents of the city, commanding at once their 
respect and esteem. He was married, in 1S67, to 
Mi.ss Amelia, daughter of Oliver and Elnora El 
lis. Mrs. Davidson was born in Celina, where 
her father was the proprietor of one of the best 
hotels. To them has been born a daughter, 
Carra, now the wife of A. A. Mudge. Our sub- 
ject is a Chapter Mason, and in politics never fails 
to cast a vole in favor of Republican candidates. 



RICHARD 11. HORN is a bright and talented 
j-oung writer, who is making of the Marion 
Deutsche Prcssc a wide-awake and well man- 
aged newspaper. He was born in Leipsic, Sax- 
ony, August 21, 1858, to Gustavus Horn, who 
was also born in Germany, and there resided un- 
til 1881, when he came to this country and set- 
tled in Dolgeville, N. Y., where his death oc- 
curred in 1894. 

Our subject received a splendid education in the 
model .schools of Germany, and after graduating, 
at the a^e of sixteen years, commenced to leani 
the printer's trade. After mastering this art he 
came to America and engaged to work in an office 
in I'tica, and later in vSyracuse, N. Y. Upon 
leaving the Empire State he came to Ohio and 
worked for a time on the leading German papers 
in Cleveland. In 1890 he came to Marion, and 









j 


^^^^^^^^^^^Ri>^&;v ^' 


^^ 


^^^^^^^^^^^■^v^^^^n 


nmy^^p' 



II1-;NRV .M. IIAKMIAKT. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



August 21 of that year published the first cop)- 
of the Deutsche Prcsse. He lias displayed marked 
ability in llie management of this sheet and is 
coiuhieting a very successful business. Being 
a young man of energy and tenacity of purpose, 
he has each year increased his list of subscribers, 
and at the present time his paper has the largest 
circulation of any German pul)licali(.jn outside of 
the large cities in Ohio. 

Richard H. Horn was married, August 21, 
1886, to Miss Louise, daughter of John Herig, of 
Cleveland, who has the honor of being the oldest 
furniture dealer in Cleveland. To our subject 
and his wife there was born one child, who died 
in infancy. The mother of Mr. Horn, Mrs. 
Theresa (Lehman) Horn, was born in Germany, 
but now makes her home iu Dolgeville, N. Y. 

As an editor of a good newpaper our subject 
wields a marked influence in the public and polit- 
ical life of the community. He is a stanch Dem- 
ocrat in politics, and the tenor ^^'i \.\\ki Prcsse is 
also Democratic. 



+^ 



=-f 



HENRY M. BARNHART. The present cen- 
tury has been especially characterized by 
inventive genius displayed in every line of 
labor. Many of the greatest men our country 
has known, turning their attention to this work, 
have invented machinery or wrought improve- 
ments in that previously designed, and in this 
way have aided in devehjping the material re- 
.sources of the land. To such men the United 
States, and indeed the entire world, owe a delit 
of gratitude that can never be repaid. It ma\- l)e 
said of them, literally, that "though lhe\- die, 
yet their works do live after them . ' ' 

The crowning .success of the life of Henr\- M. 
Barnhart, and that by which his name will be per- 
petuated through the years to come, was the in- 
vention of the Barnhart Steam Shovel, the manu- 
facture of which is being conilucted upon a con- 



stantly increasing scale in Marion. That he 
achieved such remarkable success, notwith.stand- 
ing poverty in youth, proves that he was a man 
of far more than ordinary- ability. Possessing a 
keen insight into men and things, and combining 
rare intuitive qualities with high intellectual gifts, 
he was recognized as one of the shrewdest busi- 
ness men of central Ohio. From an humble po- 
sitit)n in boyhood he worked his way steadily on- 
ward to prosperity and prominence, and hisfort\- 
four years on earth were \ears of u.sefulness and 
activity. 

The life record of one .so talented as Mr. Barn- 
hart will jio.ssess more than ordinary interest to 
the readers of this \-olume, and we therefore pre- 
sent it in full. The family of which he was a 
member was of sturdy Pennsylvania-Dutch ori- 
gin, possessing the thrifty and indu.strious quali- 
ties of that nationalit}'. His birthplace was a 
farm near Kings Mills, Warren Comity, Ohio, 
and there he was born August 28, 1846. Being 
the son of poor parents, he had no opportunities 
for gaining an education, but through ohserva- 
tion and self-culture gained a broad fund of in- 
formation, which made him a well read man. 

From boyhood Mr. Barnhart was distinguished 
among his associates for his untiring perseverance 
and superior ability. Yet his start in life was far 
from encouraging, and many a man with less en- 
ergy would have given up in despair. He pur- 
chased a small tract of land l>ing on the Scioto 
River, and containing a sawmill. Here he em- 
liarked in the milling bu.siness, and later was for 
a time similarly engaged in Marion, but met, 
however, with only indifferent success, and finally 
was burned out, losing all he had in the world. 

Entering the employ of the Chicago & Atlan- 
tic Railroad, Mr. Ijarnhart ojierated a .steam 
shovel fir a time, and it was wliile thus employed 
that he conceived the idea of an improvement. 
Unfortunateh', he had no means with which to 
carry out his project. Wishing to interest some 
man of means in the matter, he consulted Edward 
Huber, who himself had been a poor man, and 
was known far and wide as the poor man's friend. 
To him he turned for assistance, presenting the 
plan to him in full. Mr. Huber suggested that 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



he build a steam shovel, but Mr. Bamhart re- 
plied that he lacked the necessary means. The 
former gentleman at once exclaimed, "Oh, then, 
all you want is the opportunity to build one of 
the machines. If that is all, go into my shops 
and build one, and I will furnish everything and 
see you through. ' ' This alone would cost $5,000, 
but Mr. Huber never had any reason to regret his 
generositj-; on the contrary-, it proved the means 
of bringing him a large fortune. 

The shovel was constructed and worked per- 
fectly. After that all was plain sailing for the 
inventor. In August, 1884, the Marion Steam 
Shovel Company was incorporated, with Mr. Hu- 
ber as President; H. M. Barnhart, Secretary- and 
Manager; and J. Keiler, Treasurer and Superin- 
tendent. In January, 1889, Mr. Barnhart was 
made Vice-President and General Manager. The 
first year's business after incoqwration amoiuited 
to $19,000, but it has increased so rapidly that it 
now reaches $325,000. At the time of the death 
of Mr. Barnhart, September 25, 1890, it had 
made a fortune for himself and all connected 
with it. 

Shortly before his death, Mr. Harnliarl pur- 
chased one of the mo.st elegant residences in Ma- 
rion, and there, just when he was begiiuiing to 
enjoy the fruits of his arduous labors, he was 
stricken down by death. vSince that time Mrs. 
Barnhart has retained the large interest in the 
works, and tlie business has been con.stantly in- 
creasing, and many new buildings have been 
erected. 

Januarj- 14, 1869, Mr. Barnhart married Miss 
Mattie Mouser, and four daughters and a son 
were boni of their iniion. The eldest, Mary 
Elizabeth, is the wife of F. J. Smith, of Muncie, 
Ind.; Daisy Dell, Hattie May and Grace Fay, 
who reside with their mother, are accomplished 
young ladies, and are receiving the best educa- 
tional advantages; and Harry C, the only son, 
is a promising young man of nineteen and is now 
in college. Mrs. Barnhart had a brother, Irvin 
L., who lost his life in tjio Civil War. Her fa- 
ther, Ambro.se Mou.scr, for many years a .school 
teacher, now resides with her. 

The death of Mr. Barnhart was niuurncd as a 



public loss. His funeral services were attended 
by an immen.se concourse of people, all desirous 
of paying the last tribute to his memory. From 
his employes and associates in business came 
many elaborate and beautiful floral offerings, in- 
dicating the regard in which he was held. He 
was buried with Masonic honors by the Knights 
Templar, who bore his body to the cemetery at 
Marion and consigned it to its last resting-place. 
Not far distant from the spot where he reposes 
may be seen the factorj- which owes its inception 
to his labors, and with the growth of which his 
life was .so closely coiniected. Could he behold 
it now, realizing its magnitude and importance 
among the industries of Ohio, he might justly be 
proud of its prosperity and of his own labors in 
securing its success. 



NEXRV STRKIJTZ is one of the leading 
and mo.st popular business men of Marion, 
where he is engaged in the clothing busi- 
ness, carrying a full line of the latest styles in 
ready-made clothes, and al.so a variety of furnish- 
ing goods. He has done much toward advancing 
the prosperity of the city by embarking in this 
enterpri.se; by his untiring application to business 
has secured a competency, and by his unwaver- 
ing honesty has won the high regard of his fel- 
low-men. 

Mr. Slrelitz was born in this city, November 7, 
1855. His father, Julius Strelitz, was a native 
of Germany, and was born F'ebruary 24, 1830. 
Grandfather Herman Strelitz was assassinated 
April 10, 1848, during the revolution in Prussia. 
Julius Strelitz began to learn the tailor's trade 
when a lad of fourteen years, but all desires in 
that direction were cut short in 1849, as he was 
obliged to serve in the regular army of Prussia. 
In 1852, however, we find him en route for Amer- 
ica. After spending one year in Columbus, this 
state, he came to Marion, and in a small way en- 
gaged in the clothing bu.siness. He .soon came 



POETEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



183 



into prominence both in a business and political 
way, and was often called upon to fill positions 
of trust and honor. For a number of years he 
was a member of the City Council, was for ten 
years on the Board of Education, and also ren- 
dered efficient service as one of the Board of 
Health, In 1S79 he was elected County Treas- 
urer, and on the expiration of his term of office 
was re-elected, so great was his popularity with 
the people. He was a member in excellent stand- 
ing of the Hebrew Churcli, in tlie faith of which 
he died, February 3, 1.S92. He was a prominent 
Mason and Odd Fellow, and in politics was a 
strong Democrat. He left at his decease a large 
fortune made b>- his nwn exertions and the hon- 
orable and upright manner in which he did bus- 
iness. 

The mother of our subject, Dorothea Strelitz, 
was the daughter of Michael Aronson, a native 
of Posen, Pru.ssia. Our subject was educated in 
the schools of Marion and in the business college 
of Columbus, this state. He took naturally to 
the clothing business, and from the time he was 
ten years old, when not in school, was to be found 
in his father's store. In 1880 he was taken in as 
partner, the firm conducting business under the 
name of J. Strelitz & vSon. He has one brother, 
Mitchell, younger than himself, who is also in- 
terested in the business, and although their father 
is deceased, all their transactions are carried on 
under the name of J. Strelitz' Sons. They are 
the largest clothing merchants in Marion, and in 
addition to this our subject has other extensive 
busine.ss interests, being a Director of the Farm- 
ers' and Mechanics' Bank, the gas company, 
and the street railway, and a stockholder in the 
Huber Manufacturing Company. He is also a 
Director in the Mallealile Iron Works, a stock- 
holder in the electric light compan_\-, and the 
Marion Milling Company, and in numerous other 
ways is interested in the leading enterprises of 
the city. He is a prominent Mason, an Elk and 
Knight of Pythias, and adheres to the faith of his 
honored father and mother, belonging to the He- 
brew Church. His father, mother and only sis- 
ter died within two years, and our subject and his 
brother inherit the large fortune left by his par- 



ents. They are very agreeable in manners, and 
by their large circle of acquaintances are honored 
and esteemed. 

Mitchell Strelitz, our subject's brother, married 
Miss Julia Cohn, of Oil City, Pa., and to them 
have been liorn three children, as follows: Ro.sa- 
lie, Malcolm Julius and Dorathea Margarett. 



1,1*^^^ 



IRAM M. AUET. The propriety of insur- 
ance is recognized by all prudent men, and 
the company which our subject represents 
has earned the favor of the best residents of Ma- 
rion by uniform fidelity in the execution of all 
its contracts, and it is now an active factor in the 
insurance business in the county. The affairs of 
the company are in the hands of men of substan- 
tial business standing, H. M. Ault being a gen- 
tlenmn of superior executive ability and a pop- 
ular and progressive citizen. 

Our subject was born in Lebanon County, Pa., 
October 26, 1831, to David and Elizabeth (Mill- 
er) Ault. His father was also a Pennsylvanian 
by birth and of German ancestry. He worked at 
his trade, that of house joiner, while in the Key- 
stone State, and there he died in 1S47. His wife 
(bed in 1S87. Hiram M. had three brothers. 
John was formerly in the dry-goods business iu 
Marion, but died in 1863; Henry, who is now liv- 
ing in Pennsylvania, ser\'ed during the Civil War 
as a soldier in a Pennsylvania regiment; and Adam 
is carrying on a thriving grocery business in Mar- 
ion. 

In 1846 H. M. Ault came to Marion and en- 
tered the dry-goods store of his brother John, 
where he was engaged for eleven years. Early 
in the '50s he was elected Cit}- Clerk of Marion, 
and in 1858 was chosen by his fellow-citizens as 
County Recorder. He was very admirably qual- 
ified for discharging the duties of this office, and 
on the expiration of his term was re-elected, hold- 
ing the position for six consecutive years. From 
i,sri4. to 1S76 he was engaged in the mercantile 



1 84 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



business, during a part of this time serving as 
City Clerk, and for ten years was Clerk of the 
Board of Education. He also held a prominent 
place in the Agricultural Society, from which he 
retired in 1893. In 1886 he engaged in the fire- 
insurance business, representing a number of the 
best companies. He has been coiniected with the 
insurance business ever since that time and has 
built up a large business for the companies in this 
county. He is noted for the promptness and fair- 
ness with which he adjusts and pays losses, and is 
an excellent medium for procuring safe and relia- 
ble insurance. 

Mr. Ault married Miss Mary C. Gorton in 
1851. She was the daughter of Colonel Gorton, 
the first Auditor of Marion County, and a veteran 
of the War of 1812. They have three children. 
Udora is the wife of Benjamin Beeber, Treasurer 
of the New York, Lake Erie & Western Railroad 
Company at Marion; Ennna is the wife of C. T. 
Ogier, a druggist of this city; and Harry, the 
younge.st of the family, who has been in Califor- 
nia since 1886, is engaged in the stationerj- busi- 
ne.ss in San Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Ault are 
members of the Pre.sbyterian Church, of which 
the former has been Treasurer for many years. 
They occupy a fine residence on Ea.st South 
Street, and have many friends in this locality. 
In political matters Mr. Ault is a Republican. 



v€), ^Ah ^^ 



/JjEORGE CRAWFORD is prominent in the 
|_ social, literary and political life of this coun- 
^jl ty as the editor of the Marion Coiuity Indc- 
pcndctit, a paper ably conducted in the interests 
of the Republican parly. He is a native of this 
state, and was born in Steubenville, November 5, 
1827. His father, John Crawford, was born in 
Virginia, while his paternal grandfather, also 
John, was a native of County Antrim, Ireland. 
He came to America during Colonial times, and 



fought as a soldier in the Continental army during 
the Revolution. He was a cousin of the cele- 
brated Col. William Crawford, who was burned 
at the stake by the Wyandot Indians near Upper 
Sandusky, in 1782. 

The maiden name of our subject's mother was 
Mary Ford. She was born in the North of Ire- 
land, whence she came to this country with her 
parents in the j-ear 1800, being at that time ten 
years of age. John Crawford, Jr. , was one of the 
early pioneers of Steubemille, where he followed 
the cooper's trade. He was quite an inventor, 
and through his genius in this direction greatly 
added to his income bj' the sale of patents which 
he obtained. During the War of 1812 he was 
commi-ssioned Captain of a company, but as it 
was not called out he was never sent to the front. 
He departed this life in Steubenville in 1852. 

Our subject was a lad of fourteen years at the 
time of his parents' removal to Coshocton Coun- 
ty. He obtained his literarj- education in the 
schools of his native city and Roscoe, and on at- 
taining mature years began reading law with 
Judge vSample. He was admitted to the Bar in 
1854, and in July of the .same year located at Up- 
per Sandusky, where for eight jears he was act- 
ively engaged in practicing his profession, and 
for one term held the responsible po.sition of Pros- 
ecuting Attorney. 

Within three days after the firing on Ft. Sum- 
ter he enlisted and was nnistered in as a private 
in Company C, Fifteenth Ohio Infantry, under 
Capt. W. T. Wilson, .serving his full term. After 
being discharged he did not re-enlist, on ac- 
count of phy.sical disability. In 1863 he returned 
home. Soon thereafter he came to Marion and 
purchased the old Unionist, and, changing the 
name to the Marion County Independent, began 
the publication of the sheet which he still edits. 
For thirty-two years he has been chief of one of 
the largest weekly papers in the state. The name 
of the paper is somewhat misleading, and might 
indicate .that its head was nut of any political 
faith in particular, but such is not the case, for 
Mr. Crawford is a .stanch Republican and sup- 
ports his party with his influence and vote on 
every occasion. His paper is well conducted, is 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



185 



a bright and original sheet, and has a large cir- 
culation, that is by no means confined to parly 
lines. 

Mr. Crawford was married, A]iril iTi, i,S35, to 
Miss Mary E. Danforlh, a native of Guernsey 
County, this state, who died I'ebruary 17, 1S93, 
after a happy married life of over thirty-eight 
years. Their only living child, Harry, was horn 
March 28, i86,S, and is now associated with his 
father in business. Mr. Crawford has been a 
member of the Presbxterian Church for fort\-six 
years. He lielongs to Cooper Post No. 117, 
G. A. R., and is connected with the Ro_\al Ar- 
caiunn. A man of strong convictions, he does 
not hesitate to express his opinion freely and 
frankly, and witii all the vigor he can command. 



ROYAL S. LATHAM has been proprietor of 
his homestead on section 17, Goshen Town- 
ship, Hardin County, since 1852. He has 
added to his original eighty acres one hundred 
and twenty more, and thus owns two hundred 
acres altogether in the home farm. All Init 
twenty acres of this is under cultivation, and his 
first eighty acres were entirely cleared by him. 
The farm is well tiled, and good buildings, 
fences, etc., make it one of the best in the county. 
The owner is in touch with advanced ideas in re- 
gard to farming, and always keeps good stock on 
hand. 

The father of our subject, James Latb.am, was 
born in Connecticut, and graduated from Harv- 
ard College, after which he engaged in teaching. 
When about twenty-two years of age he emi- 
grated to Ohio, and was married in Seneca Coun- 
ty to Philanda Baker, also a .school teacher, and 
a native of Vermont. The father died when 
Royal S. was only tliree years old, and the lad 
entered the family of a neighbor, William Wat- 
son, who did not have a .son, and who took the 
boy as his own. 

The birth of our subject occurred in Seneca 



County, Ohio, January 13. 1828. He continued 
to live with his kind foster-father until reaching 
Iiis maj(_irit\-. I{ach winter he attended .school 
until the time nf sugar-niakiug, and when he was 
twenty-one Mr. Watson gave him $i>)o in cash. 
In 1S49 he joined a company of six \'oung men 
bound for the Pacific vSlope. Thex' were under 
the superintendence of I. N. Reed, vvlio was to 
bear all expenses of the little part)' to California, 
and was to receive one-half of each man's income 
for nine months after reaching their destination. 
At St. Louis four of them started overland, pur- 
chasing two wagons and .seven yoke of oxen. 
About the middle of Ma>- the\- started from In- 
dependence, Mo., and August 8 tliey took part 
in a snow-l)all fight on the top of the Rocky 
Mountains. At the end of one hundred and 
twenty days they reached Ilangtown, Cal., and 
engaged in placer-mining, but the rainy sea,son 
soon setting in very little was done the first win- 
ter. Provisions were extremelj' expensive, flour 
and pork being $1.25 per pound. Mr. Reed 
realiz.ed al)oul $1,400 from the young men's labor 
for the nine months, and the wagons and teams 
brought about $4,000. For fifteen months after- 
wards Mr. Latham remained in partnership with 
Mr. lieed in mining and teaming, as he had 
bought an interest in the teams. The remainder 
of the party scattered in various directions, but 
they contiiuied together and traveled homeward 
by way of the Panama route. On the whole, our 
subject has never regretted his experience, for 
he had nothing to lo.se when he went West and he 
returned with a fair sum of money, besides hav- 
ing seen much of life in the western countr}-. 

Politically Mr. Latham is a Republican, and 
was elected one of the County Commissioners in 
1890, .serving in that capacity until the expira- 
tion of his term, Jaiuiary i, 1895. While he was 
a member of the board many public improve- 
ments were made on roads, ditches and bridges, 
besides a great deal of dredging in the Scioto 
River. The importance of the latter has been 
very apparent, for though about $40,000 was ex- 
pended, the great Scioto Marsh, an alluvial and 
desirable tract of land for general farming pur- 
poses, has been reclaimed. The county armory 



1 86 



PORTRAJT AND BIOGKAPHICAL RECORD. 



was also erected at a coslof Si/.ooo, about $7,000 
of which had accumulated in the building fund. 
A bridge was built at Kenton at a cost of about 
$6,000, and an infirmary added to the counts- 
hospital. Mr. lyatham has frequently served as 
a delegate to county conventions, and has be'en 
Justice of the Peace of this township for two 
terms 

In May, i860, occurred the marriage of our 
subject and Hattie Wat.son, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania. Their eldest .son, Orlando, is engaged in 
farming in Buck Township, this county. Alice 
was educated at Northwood, Ohio, and is the 
wife of J. S. Binkley, a farmer of Atchi.soii Coun- 
ty, Kan. Reed W. lives at home and assists in 
the management of the farm. Jennie L. is the 
wife of Rev. Thomas R. McRoberts, a Congrega- 
tional minister of Grand Rapids, Mich. Mr. and 
Mrs. McRoberts were fellow-students and are 
both graduates of Oberlin College. The former 
is also a graduate of Oberlin Theological Semi- 
nary. For many years Mr. and Mrs. Latham 
have been members of the Patterson Presbyterian 
Church. 



BENJAMIN W. RUTIJvI)GI>;, who.se home 
is on section 20, Roundhead Township, 
Hardin County, was born in this neighbor- 
hood, December 25, 1826, and during the years 
of his residence here has been largely in,stru- 
mental in its upbuilding and development. From 
his boyhood he was brought up to farm work and 
has always followed agricultural pursuits, meet- 
ing with good success in his various undertak- 
ings. He is to-day one of the leading grain and 
stock raisers of the county. He formerly owned 
two hundred and eighty-two acres of land, but 
has divided one hundred and twenty-two acres 
among his children, and now retains one hundred 
and sixty acres of finely cultivated land in his 
home farm. 

Mr. Rutledge is the son of Richard and Mary 
(Lewis) Rutledge, the former born July 14, 1795, 



in Maryland. The mother's birth occurred in 
January of the same year, in the state of Ken- 
tucky. In 1 8 10 Richard Rutledge came to Ohio, 
locating in Logan County, where he worked out 
to obtain the means to purchase propertj' of his 
own. He later came to this county, and as the 
years passed by he became the owner of a large 
tract of four hundred acres of wild land in Round- 
head Townsliip. His first work was to clear a 
space and erect a log cabin, in which his little 
family were made comfortable, although it con- 
tained but one room, 18x20 feet in dimensions. 
He next gave his attention to the cultivation of 
his land, and on removing from this state, in 
i860, it was one of the most productive in the 
county. That year he located one-half mile 
northeast of the home place, where his death oc- 
curred January 12, 1875. His wife preceded him 
to the land beyond, being called hence in 1845. 
Of their union were born nineteen children, of 
whom John Fletcher died at the age of six years 
and Alvin when four years old; Lewis B., born in 
18 18, married Jane Todd, and is living in this 
township; Harriet, born in Febriiarj-, 1821, mar- 
ried Samuel P. Bowdle, and both are now de- 
ceased; Thomas Jefferson, who was born in Janu- 
ary, 1833, married Martha Tre.s.sel, and is engaged 
in the grocery business at Ada. 

The father of our .subject was engaged in farm- 
ing throughout his entire life, and besides raising 
large quantities of grain was an extensive stock- 
rai.ser. Being one of the earh' settlers of this 
township, he did much pioneer work, aiding in 
laying out roads, building bridges, etc., and he 
.served as a member of the first Grand Jur\- which 
ever convened in Hardin County. He always 
took an active part in politics and was a stanch 
Republican. For twentj'-one years he serv'ed 
efficiently as Ju.stice of the Peace, and was 
also Township A.sses.sor, Trustee, Treasurer and 
School Director. The advantages given to the 
youth of his day for acquiring an education were 
limited, and this fact made him all the more ear- 
nest in his desire to establish free schools. He 
was regarded as one of the valued members of the 
Methodist Ivpiscopal Church, in which denomin- 
ation he was Cla.ss-Leader and Steward, and con- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



187 



tributed liberalh' to its various projects of useful- 
ness. He was regarded as a representative farmer, 
who by his good management, enterprise and 
perseverance overcame tlie obstacles in his path 
and became well-to-do. 

The original of this sketcli was married, June 
17, 1847, in Roundhead Township, this county, 
to Caroline McGivens. She was the daughter of 
James and Mary McGivens, natives of Ross 
County, Oliio, where the former was engaged in 
following his trade of a carpenter. Mrs. Rut- 
ledge was born September 22, 1831, and by her 
union with our subject became the mother of six 
children. Mary E. died in 1853; Cecil married 
William Spain; Laura is the wife of W. T. Bow- 
die, of this township; William Henry Harrison 
married Bell Hoblinwell and lives in Lima, Ohio; 
Richard A. married Martha J. Plumber and is also 
living in Roundhead Township; and the youngest 
of the family died in infancy. 

Mrs. Caroline Rutledge departed this life June 
24, 1864, and January 26 of the following year 
our subject married Catherine Patterson, who was 
born hi February, 1833. The only child born of 
this union, Caroline died at the age of four years. 
After the death of his .second companion Mr. Rut- 
ledge chose for his third wife Lucy BilHngsly, 
who was born July 28, 1S54, and is the daughter 
of WilHam and Mary (Anderson) Billingsly. 
Their union was solemnized February 15, 1890. 
The lady was one of a family of six children, of 
whom three are now living. Her ]iarents were 
natives of England, in which country tliey lived 
and died. 

Our subject remained at home mitil nineteen 
years of age, when he began life for himself, 
clearing and improving the splendid estate on 
which he now resides. It comprises one hundred 
and sixty acres, and by a proper rotation of 
crops is made to yield a good income. 

During the early years of his life Mr. Rutledge 
was a Whig in politics, but after the organization 
of the Republican party he joined its ranks. He 
has held many of the township offices, serving 
acceptably as Clerk for twelve years, and for 
many terms was Trustee. He has likewi.se ren- 
dered efficient service ?s a member of the School 



Board. The Methodist Episcopal Church finds 
in him one of its most valued and influential 
members, as he is ever ready to contribute of his 
means toward its support and aid in all the good 
work in which it is engaged. Fraternally he is 
a Royal Arch Mason, being connected with the 
lodge at Ada. 






JOSEPH COWAN, who is now living at the 
I home of his son-in-law, C. B. Drum, whose 
Q) sketch appears elsewhere in this work, is one 
of the worthy old .settlers of Hardin County. He 
was born in tliat part of Champaign County, Ohio, 
wliich was at'terward known as Clarke County, 
March 11, 1813, and contiiuied to dwell there 
until 1848. That year witne.s.sed his arrival in 
this comnuniity. He purchased eighty acres of 
land (in the pike one mile northeast of Kenton, 
and just north of Grove Cemetery, and here de- 
veloped a good homestead and made many im- 
provements upon the place. At the age of twen- 
ty-four years his marriage with Lsabel Knox, a 
native of Greene County, Ohio, was celebrated. 
After a hajipy married life of fifty-six years Mrs. 
Cowan was called to the silent land, F'eljruary 3, 
1894, after she had passed her sevent\--seventh 
birthday. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cowan the following 
chiklren were born; Mary, wife of D. R. Boyd, a 
larnier of Pleasant Township; Rebecca Jane, wife 
of C. B. Drum; John, wlin died at the age of 
twentv-two years; and l)a\'id, a resident of Maple 
City, Kan. Mr. Cowan gave his children good 
educations, and practical assistance on starting 
out on an independent life. 

Religiou.sly Mr. Cowan and his devoted wife 
were members of the United Presbyterian Church, 
which was organized al)Out the time of their ar- 
rival here. An old-line Whig, Mr. Cowan cast 
his first vote in 1836 for WiUiani Henry Harrison, 



1 88 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and since 1856 has been a Republican. With 
the exception of a slight defect in hearing, he is 
extremely well preserved and active for a man of 
his age, he being now in his eighty -third year. 

•5— ^^>-^<[^^- -^- 



|II,TJAM H. DAVIS, one of the old pio- 
ncL-rs of Hardin County, is one of the best 
known citizens of Dudley Township, where 
he has resided for oven a quarter of a century. 
He owns an improved farm about two miles south 
of Hepburn, and has devoted his mature years to 
its cultivation. He was born in Logan County, 
this state, October 16, 1830, and is a .son of Will- 
iam H. and Mary (Johnson) Davis, the parents of 
eleven children. 

William H. Davis, Sr., was born in Maryland, 
where he was reared to man's estate and obtained 
a fair education. On starting out in life for him- 
self, he came to Ohio and .settled at Chillicothe, 
where he worked at the cabinet-maker's trade for 
a time. Later abandoning this occupation, he 
moved to Logan County and entered land, becom- 
ing one of the first settlers. He made his home 
in that locality until 1832, when he moved to 
Marion County, entering from the Government a 
large tract of land in Montgomery Township. 
This he improved and lived upon until his death, 
which occurred .soon after his si .xty -.seventh year. 
He was very successful in his farming ventures, 
and was popular among the old pioneers, who 
elected him for three .successive terms to the office 
of Justice of the Peace. During the War of 1S12 
he ser\'ed as a private in its ranks. His father 
fought as a soldier in the Revolutionary War and 
was killed in that conflict. William H., vSr., was 
the only child of his parents, and, being deprived 
of his father's care when young, was reared by 
his widowed mother, who gave him the best edu- 
cation po.ssible. 

The mother of our subject was born in Dela- 
ware, and at the time of her decea.se was in her 
sixty-seventh year. vShc was a devoted member 
of the Christian Church, and reared her children 
to lives of honor and usefulness. Her son, Will- 



iam H., of this notice, remained at home until he 
became of age, in the mean time procuring a good 
fund of information by attendance at the district 
.school. P'or a time after reaching his majority, 
he rented and worked a part of the old home- 
stead, but in 1853 ^ic married and went to Ap- 
panoose County, Iowa, where he entered land. 
His stay there, however, was of short duration. 
After selling this claim he returned to Montgom- 
ery Township, Marion County, and purchased 
land, on which he lived for three years. He then 
cro.ssed the line into Hardin County, becoming 
the owner of a farm in the ea.stern part of Dudley 
Town.ship. He sold the tract in 1S64, and for 
the following year rented land, but in the spring 
of 1867, however, he bought the farm on which 
he is now residing. It is three hundred acres in 
extent, and represents his own earnings, with the 
exception of the forty acres which were given him 
by his father. 

February 17, 1853, our subject and Miss Isa- 
belle Kellej' were united in marriage. The lady 
was born February 26, 1834, to Benjamin and 
Martha (Siiqddy) Kelley, the former of whom 
was born in Penn.sylvania. He was there reared 
and married to Miss Snoddy, and in 1830 the 
young couple came to Ohio and settled in Marion 
County, where the father worked at the cooper's 
trade. He afterward removed to Delaware, and 
in 1842 became a resident of Hardin County, dy- 
ing within her borders when sixty-six years of 
age. Mrs. Kelley was also born in the Keystone 
State and was past seventy-one years at the time 
of her demise. They were both members of the 
United Brethren Church, and were people greatly 
respected in their connnunity. 

There were seven children born to Mr. and 
Mr.s. Davis, four of whom died in infancy. Jo.shua 
Miller was born October 31, 1854, and is now a 
prosperous farmer of this town.ship; Charles C. is 
also an agriculturist of Dudley Township; Sarah 
was born April 21, 1878, and is still on the home 
farm. 

In politics Mr. Davis is a Democrat, and on 
this ticket was elected to the office of Township 
Trustee and Treasurer. Himself and famil\- be- 
long to the Methodist Church. 




CICOKC.I'; \V. KINC. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



191 



gI<:ORGE W. KING, who holds the position 
of Secretary and general manager of the Ma- 
rion vSteam Shovel Works, one of the best 
known firms in Ohio, and which has proved of 
great benefit to the town in which it is located, 
was born on a farm in Richland Township, Ma- 
rion County, February 19, 1854. Mr. King may 
be said to have come by his business instincts by 
inheritance, as his father and grandfather were 
both engaged in manufacturing. The latter, Ti- 
tus King, was a native of Rutland, Vt., and in 
early manhood learned the business of manufac- 
turing woolen cloth. On moving to Ohio, he es- 
tablished a woolen-mill at Lancaster, and later at 
Delaware, in this state, became the proprietor of 
grist, saw and woolen mills. After leaving Dela- 
ware, he came to this part of the county, still car- 
rying on busine.'.s as a manufacturer, and on his 
death his son, George T., our subject's father, 
succeeded him in the mill. 

George W. King grew up on a farm in Rich- 
land Township, and attended the district .school, 
but his success in life can hardly be ascribed to 
the education there obtained, as it simply con- 
sisted of a smattering of the English branches. 
He was very fond of mathematics, however, as 
people of an inventive turn of mind very fre- 
quently are, and the solution of knotty arith- 
metical questions was his chief delight in school. 
From his earliest boyhood his peculiar bent of 
mind manifested itself, and he took great interest 
in the operation of his father's mill, especially in 
the mechanical part of the work. Soon he be- 
gan designing, and after a time had the great sat- 
isfaction of inventing a hay-lifter for the u-se 
of farmers in unloading hay. This implement, 
which proved a truly useful article, became of 
general use among the farmers of the neighbor- 
hood, and from its sale he realized con.siderable 
returns. 

To the ability of Mr. King may be really as- 
cribed the origin of the great manufacturing con- 
cern of which he is the head, as well as its suc- 
cessful operation. When H. M. Barnhart, the 
inventor of the steam shovel, was looking for 
some one to assist him in carrj-ing out his de- 
signs, he thought of his cousin, our subject. Mr. 



King took hold of the work with all his heart, 
and the result proved his ability. In 1884 a 
company was formed to mainifacture the article, 
and our subject was made general superintend- 
ent of the mechanical department and one of the 
Directors. A few years after the concern was 
started, Mr. Barnhart died, and upon Mr. King 
devolved the responsibility of carrying on the 
business and the execution of the various im- 
provements projected by Mr. Barnhart. How 
well he has fulfilled the requirements of the po- 
sition may be judged, when it is considered that 
the business has made a fortune for each ot its 
stockholders, and that Mr. King has invented 
and patented no less than thirty important im- 
provements in the machinery. After Mr. Bani- 
hart's death he became general manager, and 
later was made Vice-Pre.sident and general mana- 
ger. He is ably assisted bj^ a corps of compe- 
tent men, one of whom is his brother, F. H. 
King. 

The career of Mr. King offers a striking ex- 
ample of what a man who has ability and perse- 
verance may accomplish in America. In this 
countrj', as perhaps in no other, does fortune ex- 
tend a helping hand to those who are worthy of 
her aid. Mr. King was blessed with neither fort- 
une nor education, but the opportunity to become 
rich and successful and of use to liis fellow-men 
presented it.self, and he had the ability to grasp 
it and become the power for good he is to-day. 
The foundation of his success was laid in his boy- 
hood, by reserving a portion of his earnings, no 
matter how small they were, and when an oppor- 
tunity presented it.self he was prepared to seize it. 
The concern gives employment to a large number 
of workmen, and has been one of the chief factors 
in making Marion the progressive little fown that 
it is. Besides his large interests in this plant, 
Mr. King is a stockholder in various other in- 
stitutions of the place, among the.se being the 
Hnber Manufacturing Company, the Automatic 
Boiler Feed Company, the Street Railway Com- 
pany, the Electric Light Company, the Marion 
Tool Company and the Pendergast Lumber and 
Coal Company. He also holds stock in the Me- 
chanics' and Farmers' Bank, 



192 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



October 27, 1888, Mr. King married Miss Sa- 
rah Reber, the daughter of a prominent stock- 
dealer of Marion County. Mrs. King is a ladj^ 
of many pleasing qualities, womaulj-, intelligent, 
and devoted to the interests of her husband and 
son, Ray Reber, a lad of five years. In his po- 
litical leanings Mr. King is a follower of the Re- 
publican partj-, though, as his business interests 
take up. so large a portion of his time, he takes 
no active part in politics. 



l^-^^l 



IIIJJAM \V. STEVENSON, a successful 
and efficient agriculturist, residing on sec- 
tion 2, Pleasant Township, Hardin County, 
on the banks of the Scioto River, was born in 
Buck Town.ship, three miles .south of Kenton, May 
I, 1863. His father, Silas, was born in Cham- 
paign County, Ohio, October 23, 1823, being the 
eldest of twelve children born to the union of 
James B. and Unity (New) Stevenson, natives of 
Virginia, the former born November 14, 1799, 
and the latter November i, 1807. The other 
children of the family were Robert, James L,., 
William, John \V., Iq)hraim, Charles Anthony, 
David H., Sarah J., Harriet, Loui.sa and Maggie. 
When a mere lad James B. Stevenson accom- 
panied his parents to what is now Logan Countj-. 
Three weeks after settling there his father died, 
and the widowed mother was left with eight chil- 
dren dependent upon her for support. James be- 
gan to work for an uncle in Clark County, re- 
maining with him until twenty years of age, 
when he settled in the northern part of Logan 
County and endured all the hardships incident to 
settlement in a frontier district. In 1834 he came 
to Hardin County and bought one hundred and 
twenty-five acres of timbered land, which he 
cleared and improved, and upon which he re- 
mained until his death, January 6, 1865, aged 
sixty-six. His wife passed away March 10, 1864. 
May 24, 1849, Silas Stevenson was married, in 
Orleans County, N. Y., to Ruby Tyler, who was 



born October 27, 1827, being a daughter of John 
H. and Selina (Gilbert) Tyler. They became 
the parents of nine children, concerning whom we 
note the following: H. J. B., who was born No- 
vember 15, 1850, is a farmer of Buck Township; 
he is married and has four children. Charles A. , 
whose birth occurred in 1853, married Arrie 
Newcomb, and lives upon a farm in Buck Town- 
ship. Salina, born June 21, 1857, is the wife of 
W. D. Woodard, of Ada Township. Horace A. 
was born July 12, i860, and is engaged in farm 
pursuits in Liberty Town.ship. William W., the 
subject of this sketch, is the fifth member of the 
family circle. Laura E. was born June 5, 1865. 
John R., who was born August 14, 1867, lives in 
Buck Township; by his marriage with Rue Eisch- 
ler he has two children. Margaret B., born 
August ig, 1869, is the wife of A. M. Sponsler, a 
farmer of Paulding County, Ohio. Frank B. , the 
j'onngest, was born December 21, 1872. 

For four years Silas Stevenson made his home 
upon a farm in Orleans County, N. Y. , after 
which, in 1854, he came to Ohio and bought 
eighty-three acres of heavily timbered land. He 
is now the owner of two hundred and sixty-three 
acres, of which one hundred and ninety-three 
acres have been cleared. Politically he is a Re- 
publican. He aided in the organization of the 
Methodi.st Episcopal Church of Kenton in 1844, 
and has since been a member of that congregation. 

The subject of this sketch was born in a cabin 
in the .same yard where his father's conunodious 
brick residence now .stands. After attending the 
common schools of this locality for some years, he 
entered the State Normal University at Ada, 
where he spent the winter of 1882-83. After his 
marriage, June 18, 1885, he cultivated a rented 
farm for one year, and then purchased property 
in Goshen Township, where he remained for two 
years. Later he bought eighty-one and one-half 
acres, constituting his present homestead, and 
here he has since resided. For five years he con- 
ducted a large dairy bu.siness, and now devotes 
considerable attention' to stock-raising, making 
a specialty of Poland-China hogs and Jersey 
cattle. 

The wife of our subject bore the maiden name 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



193 



of Princess Lee, and was born in Marion County, 
Ohio, August I, 1864. Her paternal grandfather, 
Parker Lee, was a native of Pennsjdvania. Her 
parents, Lewis and Susan (Morrison) Lee, were 
born in Marion and Muskingum Counties, respec- 
tively, the birth of the latter occurring May 4, 
1846. After the death of Mr. Lee his widow was 
married to E. H. Allen, of Buck Township. The 
two children of our subject and his wife are Earl, 
born August 16, 1886; and Emery, Augu.st 20, 
1889. In politics Mr. Stevenson is a stanch Re- 
publican, true at all times to the principles of his 
chosen party. Socially he is connected with 
Amacitia Lodge No. 79, I. O. O. F., and Scioto 
Encampment No. 179. With his wife he holds 
membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Kenton. 



I®), .^^i^.... .(a'J 



(John G. UNCAPHER. Probably no man 
I in Big Island Township is better known or 
Qj more public spirited than the gentleman 
whose name opens this sketch. He is one of 
the wealthy agriculturists of this section, owning 
at one time three hundred and sixty-three acres. 
As soon as his children started out in life, he 
gave each a farm, only retaining for himself a 
tract of one hundred and seventy-four acres. This 
is located on section 34 and is acknowledged by all 
to be some of the most productive land in Ma- 
rion County. 

Mr. Uncapher was born November 23, 183 1, 
in Unity Township, Columbiana County, Ohio, 
and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Williams) 
Uncapher. The former was born in Virginia, 
May 14, 1796, but was reared to man's estate in 
Pennsylvania, where he learned the trade of a 
tanner, and by following this industry became 
well-to-do. Thinking it a good plan to invest 
some of his surplus capital in farming land in 



Ohio, he came hither, and among the tracts which 
he purchased was the farm belonging to our sub- 
ject, which was left him by his father. His bus- 
iness was established in Columbiana, and there he 
passed the remainder of his life. 

Of the ten children born to John Uncapher and 
his wife, Thomas was the eldest; Eliza married 
George Wisman and is living in Portage County, 
this state; Mary M. is living in New Waterford, 
Ohio; Caroline married A. P. Wisman, and died 
January 27, 1874; Margaret married Moses Hive- 
ly, who is now deceased; John G. was the next 
born; Andrew died when young; Urbane is a re- 
tired farmer, living in Van Wert, this state; and 
Sarah is deceased, as is also Joseph. The father 
of this family started out in life with a capital of 
$200, and at the time of his decease was worth 
$120,000. He was a member of the German Re- 
formed Church, to which he was liberal in his 
contributions. He was always interested in the 
cause of education, and for some time was one of 
the Directors on the board of his district. He 
was ver>' fond of reading and was a subscriber to 
many magazines and periodicals of note. In 
politics he was a Democrat. 

Our subject was married, March 22, i860, to 
Miss Sarah, daughter of Peter and Salome (Shaf- 
fer ) DeWolf, natives of Germany. They were 
farmers all their lives, and became the parents of 
six children, of whom Maria, the eldest, is now 
the wife of John Cope, of eastern Ohio; Rebec- 
ca married Thomas Radcliffe, and makes her 
home in New Lisbon, this state; Caroline is now 
Mrs. Clarkson Harris, and resides in Salem; 
Sarah, Mrs. Uncapher, was born January 19, 
1840; and Lewis and Sophia are deceased. The 
father of this family served in the War of 18 12, 
under the leadership of General Harrison. On 
the death of his wife he was married to Cath- 
arine Wollar, who reared and cared for the sons 
and daughters mentioned above. 

The household of Mr. and Mrs. Uncapher in- 
cludes six children. Charles E., born May 21, 
1861, married Alice Smith; Bryan D., born No- 
vember 16, 1863, married Allie Porter, and fol- 
lows farming; Mary L., born April 24, 1867, is at 
home; Emma M., born November 20, 1870, is also 



194 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



with her parents; Louie F. , born April 20, 1873, 
married Josie Axthelm and his vocation in life is 
that of a fanner; Carrie L. was born December 
28, 1878, and is the youngest of the family. She 
is a very talented j-oung lady, and, aside from 
her school work, devotes her attention to the 
study of music. 

For several years Mr. Uncapher followed in 
the footsteps of his father and was a tanner. This 
he abandoned, however, on coming to Marion 
County, and has since been a farmer of much en- 
terprise and progressive spirit. 



' £ 01- ■ — 



'^ 



r^EARL WOOD, the prosperous and intelligent 
L^ farmer whose name opens this sketch, was 
y^ born February' 22, i860, in Big Island Town- 
ship. He devotes his time and attention to gen- 
eral agriculture, and by industry and economy on 
his part has built up a fine hoine.stead. 

Our subject was married, February 16, 1887, to 
Ada J. Staufer, daughter of Jackson and Matilda 
(Morrel) Staufer, natives of Virginia and Ohio, 
respectively. They came to this state in a verj- 
early day in its history, and suffered many hard- 
ships and privations in order that their children 
might have comfortable homes and a good start 
in life. Their family numbered six children, of 
whom Mrs. Wood was born February' 11, 1864; 
Laura A. was born September 1 1, 1865, and lives 
at home; Samuel M., who was born June 10, 
1S67, is engaged in farming in this county; and 
Margaret M., born July 15, 1869, Charles, Feb- 
ruary 28, 1872, and Elizabeth B., August 28, 
1877, are at home with their parents. The older 
members of the family have been given good edu- 
cations, and the younger children are .still attend- 
ing school in the neighborhood of their home. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Staufer were members of the 
Free- Will Baptist Church, to which denomina- 
tion the wife of our subject also belongs. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Wood have been born three 
children: Bertha 0., October 28, 1887; Edna B., 



December 17, 1889; and Ora A., born February 
19, 1892. The latter died in Augu.st of that 
j'ear. The parents of our subject, Hampton and 
Susannah (Marsh) W'ood, were married Augu.st 
2, 1846. The father was born November 15, 
18 1 3, and his good wife's birth occurred April 
25, 1823. -To them were born twelve children. 
Nathan M., born October 21, 1847, <i^^d March 
12, 1855; Mary O., born November 10, 1848, 
died April i, 1891; IsaacM., December 28, 1849, 
is now living in Oregon; John M., born October 
28, 1851, is a resident of Kenton, this state; 
James M. was born November i, 1853, and is 
now a practicing physician in Hardin County; 
George S., born October 7, 1854, also makes his 
home in Ohio; Scott, born July 18, 1856, is liv- 
ing in Marion County; Eliza K., born June 21, 
1858, is the wife of Ab.salom P. Rhoads; Pearl 
was the next-born; Henry E. died March 2, 

1865, aged two years; Lawrence, born May 27, 

1866, makes his home in this section of Ohio; 
and Myta was born May 11, 1868. 

In his political relations our subject is a stanch 
Republican. He is making a success of his farm- 
ing venture, having under good tillage one hun- 
dred acres, which by a proper rotation of crops 
yield good returns. 



-^>-W>^v;t^f^;^<^- 



(TjAMUEL HUDSON. One of the most com- 
/\ Inrtable homes in Big Island Township, Ma- 
Ijjf rion County, is that owned and occupied by 
our subject. He is now fortj--five years of age, 
and throughout his career has thrown into his 
daily labors individual honesty and integrity, 
qualities which ennoble everj^ man, whether rich 
or p)oor. From poverty to prosperity, every step 
has been won by honest work and brave efforts, 
and his biography, therefore, is most u.seful as an 
incentive to others. 

Mr. Hudson was born November 19, 1849, to 
John and Mary (Rice) Hudson. His father was 
a native of England, and came to America in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



195 



1834, making liis way soon after landing to Ma- 
rion County, this state. He was a butcher by- 
trade, and for thirteen years after coming hither 
followed this business. He later began dealing 
in live stock, buying animals throughout the 
county, which he .shipped to the city markets and 
sold at good prices. The money thus earned he 
invested in land, adding thereto each year until 
he was the owner of three hundred and fifty acres 
of some of the finest farming region of Ohio. 

Mrs. Hudson was the daughter of John Rice, 
who was born in Pennsylvania, while her mother 
was a native of Ohio. Her father was a tanner 
by trade, and after emigrating to Ohio lived here 
until his decease, which occurred several years 
ago. The parental family embraced five children. 
Isabelle, the eldest, is now the wife of Dr. Crow, 
a resident of Ridgeway, Ohio; Thomas is a farm- 
er of Big Island Township; John H. died when 
young; our subject was the next-born; and Jo- 
sephine is deceased. Wlien John Hud.son cro.s.sed 
the Atlantic he was thirteen weeks en route, and 
after landing on the shores of the New World 
found himself in the possession of very little 
money. He went bravely to work, howev-er, 
and from that time on he seemed to prosper in all 
his undertakings. He was fairly well educated, 
was very liberal in his donations to charitable in- 
stitutions, and was always ready to help those 
who tried to help themselves. He was promi- 
nent in the workings of the Order of Odd Fellows, 
holding membership with the lodge in Marion. 

Samuel Hudson was married. May 20, 1875, to 
Isabel D. Stone, a native of Virginia, and the 
daughter of Clayborn V. and Mary (Smith) 
Stone. They had born to them fourteen chil- 
dren, all of whom grew to mature years with one 
exception. Mrs. Hudson was born March 3, 
1850. She is well educated, and has been of 
great assistance to her husband in accumulating 
his valuable property and in training her five 
sons and daughters to occupy useful positions in 
life. Their eldest daughter bears the name of 
Carrie. Then come Alice, John J., Birdie J. 
and Clayborn, all of whom are attending school. 

Upon starting out for himself Mr. Hudson had 
no one to aid liini, but on the death of his parents 



he received a .share in the estate, which gave him 
a good start. He now has a farm of two hundred 
and twenty-.seven acres, which is a model of order 
and neatness, and shows the time and care be- 
stowed upon it by the owner. He deals exten- 
sively in stock-rai.sing, and ships many carloads 
each year to the large markets. L,ike his father 
before him, he belongs to the Free- Will Baptist 
Church. He is public-spirited, and takes an act- 
ive part in all measures, political, educational 
and moral, which tend toward the welfare of the 
community. 



HENRY C. KOHLER. Hardin County is 
the home of many gentlemen of fine natural 
abilities, thorough education and busine.ss 
energy, who in various fields of industry are ac- 
quiring an enviable reputation and gaining well 
deserved success. Among this number we pre- 
sent the name and life sketch of Henry C. Kohler, 
one of the most influential business men of Ken- 
ton. Of the success he has achieved he has no 
reason to complain, and he merits especial regard, 
inasmuch as his present standing is due to his 
unaided exertions, and represents the results of 
his own unremitting eflbrts. 

Mr. Kohler is the descendant in the third gen- 
eration of a German emigrant who .settled in this 
country in the early part of the eighteenth cen- 
tury, and was prominently identified with the 
early history of Penn.sylvania, being especially 
influential in the Lutheran Church. The father 
of our subject was Henry, a son of Jacob Kohler, 
a prominent farmer of Pennsylvania. The former 
was born in York County, that state, and there 
engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, 
in 1854. His wife was Marj', daughter of Henry 
Cramer, a Revolutionary soldier and a member 
of the Lutheran Church, al.so one of the original 
members of the Bible Society in America. Mrs. 
Mary Kohler died in Pennsylvania in 1878. 



196 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



The parental family consisted of four sons and 
three daughters. Rev. Jesse Kohler, D. D., who 
resides in Hanover, Pa., is a njeml>er of the Board 
of Missions of the Lutheran Church; William was 
a theological student and a young man of great 
promise, but was accidentally drownetl during his 
a^llege course; Kli is a farmer in York. County, 
Pa. ; Rebecca. Kate and Kllen married fanners of 
the Keystone State. Henr>- C. was born in York 
County, Pa., October 26, 1841, and spent his boy- 
hood days on the home fann, receiving an ordi- 
nar>- conunon-school education. In i860 he came 
to Ohio and made his home with an uncle on a 
farm in Seneca County. 

Karly in 1S62 Mr. Kohler enlistetl in Company 
H, One Hundretl and First Ohio Infantry, and 
servetl until the close of the war. Among the 
engagements in which he participated were those 
of Perr>ville, Knob Gap and Stone River. In 
tlie last-named battle he receivetl a wound in the 
right hip that took liini out of active service for 
four or tive months. After rejoining his regiment, 
he ttxik part in the kittle of Chickamauga, and 
the following winter was with his regiment at 
Bridgeport and Chattanooga, guarding the rear 
of the anny. Later he participated in the Atlan- 
ta campaign. 

Returning to Ohio at the close of the Rebellion, 
Mr. Kohler worke<l on a fann for a short time, 
after which he took a course in a business college 
at Baltimore. In the spring of 1866 he became 
clerk in a store at Tiffin, in the fall .secured a po- 
sition in a wholesale dr>-goods store in Cleveland, 
and from 1867 to 1872 was employed by a Cleve- 
land and Philadelphia house. He then came to 
Kenton and bought the store of Letson & Runkle, 
a small establishment, from which he has built 
\\y his present large conceni. His first year's 
sales an\ount«l to $14,000, but they have in- 
creasetl until they now reach more than $75,000. 
Recently he movetl into his present elegant and 
spacious quarters, where he employs a full corps 
of accommotlating clerks and transacts a large 
business. His success is due largely to his genial 
manner and strict attention to the details of the 
business, to the management of which he gives 
the closest scnitinv. 



TIkh i> -lucely an important interest or en- 
terprise in ihc city with which Mr. Kohler is not 
identified. He is a member of the Board of Di- 
rectors of the Klectric Light and Gas Company, 
and is connected with other local concerns. In 
1871 he married Miss Mar>-, daughter of H. G. 
Harris, and sister of Getirge Harris, of Kenton. 
In religious belief our subject is actively identi- 
fieil with the Presbyterian Church; socially he is 
connecteil with the Grand Army of the Republic, 
and in jwlitics is a stanch Republican. 



I KM MA HIPSHER owns one hundred and 
IC thirty-nine and one-half acres of his father's 
\ J old homestead, which lies on sections 26, 
35 and 36 Scott Town.ship, Marion County. He 
has passed nearly his entire life in this vicinity, 
and has always taken the greatest interest in 
whatever has tended toward its advancement. 
Like his father before him, he is a zealous mem- 
ber of the Disciples Church. 

Adam Hipsher, our subject's father, was bom 
in Pennsylvania, and was of Gennan extraction. 
He married Rhoda Derrick, who bore him seven 
children: Henr>-. Adam. James, Uriah, Matilda, 
Amnion and our subject. With the exception 
of tlie two last mentioned and Henr>', the eldest, 
they are all deceased. Amnion is a farmer of 
Stor>- County, Iowa. In 1820 Adam Hipsher. 
Sr., startetl on foot from Fairfield County for this 
county. He took up one hundred and sixty 
acres of prairie land in Scott Township, paying 
therefor $1.25 per acre. In 1822 he returned 
with a team and erected a log house of one room, 
and subsequently removed his family to its slielter. 
He died in 1861, loved and esteemed by friends 
and neighbors. 

The birth of our subject occurred in Fairfield 
County, Ohio. December 30, 1822, and he was 
nearly two years of age when he was brought to 
this township. He grew to manhood on the 
farm which he now owns, and when twentv-three 



PORTHAIT AM) I'.IOf ;RA1MII('AL RECORD. 



197 



years of age took charge of the jjlace. March 13, 
1845, he married EH/.a Ann Garberson, who bore 
him three children, all of whom survive. Rhoda 
married Alva Osborn, of this township, and has 
three children: James T., Delila and Arthur. 
Lucretia married vSilas Lee, a farmer of this town- 
ship, and they have had six children: John C, 
George W., Frank, Ira, Hazel, and one who 
died unnamed. Andrew lives near Findlay, Ohio. 
His wife was formerly ]'<lizabeth Dilts, and their 
two children are Gertie and Aimie. Mrs. Kliza 
Ann Hip.sher departed this life September 9, 
1886, and was interred in the family cemetery. 
She was a lovely Christian woman and a faithful 
member of the Disciples Church. 

Politically Mr. Hipsher is a Democrat, and has 
held the office of Township .Supervisor, though 
he has never been desirous of .serving in a pub- 
lic capacity. He had all the experiences which 
fall to the lot of the pioneer, and received his 
early education in an old log schoolliouse. The 
Indians, who were peaceable, were frequentlj' seen 
in this locality when he was a boy, and one of their 
trails passed within a few yards of his father's 
door. 



jILLIAM ALVIN I'A-.LT, M. D., though 
one of the youngest physicians and sur- 
geons of Hardin County, already com- 
mands a large and increasing field of practice, and 
skillfully handles the cases entrusted to his care. 
In the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, from 
which he was graduated in 1886, he gained a 
thorough theoretical knowledge of his profession, 
which has since been supplemented by actual ex- 
perience. He came to Kenton soon after gradu- 
ating, and has .since made his home in this city, 
where he has attained a reputation for skill that 
many older practitioners might justly envy. 

Born in Wapakoneta, Auglaize County, Ohio, 
April 23, 1863, the Doctor is the eldest son of 
Rev. Leroy A. Belt, D.D., a prominent Method- 



i.st minister, a sketch of whose life and work 
will be found in this volume. lieing the son ofa 
Methodist minister, he had no permanent home, 
but the principal part of his early literary educa- 
tion was received in Toledo, where his father was 
at one time Presiding Elder and pastor of the 
First Church. When seventeen years of age, he 
entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Dela- 
ware, and was graduated from that institution in 
1884, with the degree of B. S., and has since re- 
ceived the honorary degree of A. M. 

During his collegiate course, our sutjject stud- 
ied medicine with Dr. S. W. Fowler, and after 
finishing the work at the university, he entered 
the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, from 
which, as above stated, he was graduated in 1886. 
.Soon afterward he located at Kenton and com- 
menced the practice of his chosen profession. Here 
he was .soon recognized as one of the young phy- 
sicians destined to make his mark in the profes- 
sion. Having gained the confidence of the peo- 
ple, he has built u]) a remunerative general prac- 
tice, and has had marked success in his specialty, 
the diseases of women. 

.Socially, Dr. Belt is a member of the North- 
western Ohio Medical Association, the Ohio .State 
Medical Association and the American Medical 
.Society. During his college life he was promi- 
nently connected with the Phi Gamma Delta, the 
college journal, of which he was manager for two 
years, and editor for one year, acquitting himself 
with credit in both positions. He is one of the 
leading Masons in the state and is considered one 
of the best posted members of the fraternity. At 
one time he held the office of Master of the blue 
lodge at Kenton, and is now the Grand Lecturer 
of the Tenth District of Ohio, and High Priest of 
Kenton Chapter No. 119. In the Order of Elks 
he is .serving as .Secretary. Interested in religi- 
ous work, he is the present .Secretary of the Board 
of Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and was a Secretary of the building committee 
for the new church at Kenton, which is one of 
the finest edifices in central Ohio. 

The marriage of Dr. Belt, .Septemt>er 22, 1887, 
united him with Miss Alba F. Webster, daughter 
of Rev. L. C. Webster, a Methodist minister. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



who at the time was siationcd in Kenton as Pre- 
siding Elder of the Findlay District, but is now 
a resident of Marysville, Ohio. They have two 
children, Lorin Leroy and Rachel Angelina. The 
Doctor and his wife are popular in social circles, 
and luimber as their friends the best people of the 
county . 



HOHN J. DAVIvS, who is a self-made man, was 

I formerly one of the well-to-do merchants of 
O Green Camp. He has made a great success 
of life and is now living retired in a pleasant home 
in that village. A native of this state, he was 
born April 28, 1821, in Fairfield County, and is 
the son of John R. and Elsie Davis, natives of 
Virginia. 

The parents of our subject made the journey to 
Ohio about 1812, and from that time until 1832 
were residents of F'airfield Countj'. That year 
we find them living in Marion County, where 
they owned land and made their home until their 
decease, the father dying in 1848, and his good 
wife several years prior to that time. After her 
death John B. Davis was married to Miss Sarah 
Williams, by whom he became the father of seven 
children, all of whom are deceased but two 
daughters: Catherine, now Mrs. Dean, of Mary- 
land; and Margaret, who makes her home in 
Michigan. 

Our subject was one in a family of ten .sons, of 
whom Joshua, Sanuiel, Caleb, Robert and Rich- 
ard are now deceased. Friend is a retired farmer 
living in Wayne County, Iowa; William makes 
his home in Columbus, this state; Isaac is a resi- 
dent of Green Camp; and Anthony F\ is an exten- 
sive farmer and land-owner of Allen County, Ohio. 

As might l)e expected, the e<lucation of our sub- 
ject was very meager, as in the early days Ohio 
had but few .schools, and most of them were con- 
ducted on the .sub.scription plan, so that unless 



peopK ]ins^(_ssed means they were unable to send 
their children any length of time. When attain- 
ing mature years he started out for himself, and 
being a hard worker and economical in all his 
habits acquired a good property. 

John J. Davis was married, December 9, 1844, 
to Sarah J. Twiiium, an orphan, who knew but 
little of her parents, as they died when she was 
very young. Their union resulted in the birth of 
three children. Samuel, born October 14, 1845, 
is now living in Green Camp; Isaac N., born 
August 24, 1847, lives on the old home place; and 
Elizabeth, born December 3, 1849, is the wife of 
E. D. Leach, a resident of Green Camp. The 
mother of this family departed this life November 
9, 1892, aged sixty-five years. She was a de- 
voted wife and mother and had many friends in 
this community who mourned her loss. She was 
a valued member of the Methodist Ivpiscopal 
Church. 

During the late war our subject fought as a 
Union soldier. He enlisted in 1862 in Company 
B, One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Infantry, 
and saw much active service until the close of 
hostilities. Among the many engagements in 
which he participated were those of Perry ville and 
Chickamauga, and although he was nearly all of 
the time in the front, he was never wounded or 
taken prisoner. 

On his return home from the war Mr. Davis 
engaged in the mercantile business at Green 
Camp, carrying on a splendid trade for eight 
years. In 1873, however, he sold his stock of 
goods and retired, and is now enjoying that ease 
and comfort which his early years of toil have 
made pos.sible. He has been Justice of the Peace 
for nine years, which fact speaks well for his 
popularity as an official. He is a stanch Repub- 
lican in politics and is prominent in Grand Army 
circles. One of the old residents of the county, 
he is regarded by everj' one who knows him as a 
valued citizen and honorable and upright gentle- 
man. Having lived so many years in this coun- 
ty, he remembers well when a great portion of it 
was uninhabited save by wild animals and In- 
dians. He has done his part, however, in de- 
veloping it, and deserves great credit for the sue 





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WIl.I.IA.M A NORTON. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



cess which has been his to enjoy. For three 
terms he served his fellow-townsmen as Assessor, 
was Trustee for two terms, and has discharged the 
duties of Constable in a very satisfactory mantier. 
He is an intelligent man and well deser\-es repre- 
sentation in this volume. 



pCJlLLIAM A. NORTON, Cashier of the 
\ A / Kenton Savings Bank, was born at Mar- 
V Y seilles, Wyandot County, this state, Decem- 
ber 17, 1852. He is the only son of Anson Nor- 
ton, whose birth occurred in Litchfield County, 
Conn., in 1828. His father, who also bore the 
given name of Anson, was born in the same 
count}' and was descended from a New England 
family of prominence and influence. 

The paternal grandmother of our subject was 
Lucretia Woodruff, the daughter of Lieut. David 
and Esther (Clark) Woodruff, of Derby, New 
Haven County, Conn. She was the youngest 
daughter in the family, and was well educated for 
the day in which she lived. Her father obtained 
his title for gallant service rendered during the 
Revolutionary War. Grandfather Anson Norton 
departed this life at Mt. Morris, Livingston 
County, N. Y., in 1844, and had been a resident 
of that section seven years at the time of his de- 
cease. Afterward, the father of our subject, to- 
gether with his mother, came West, locating in 
Wyandot County, Mrs. Norton passing away at 
Marseilles in 1855. 

In the above city Anson Norton, Jr., obtained 
a situation as clerk in a store, and from that time 
was connected with the mercantile business until 
1876, the year of his branching out into the in- 
surance business. He made his advent into Ken- 
ton in 1864, and was for many years associated 
with his brother-in-law, Lewis Merriman, in con- 
ducting an extensive mercantile trade, under the 
firm name of Merriman & Norton. He now 
gives the greater part of his time to looking after 



his insurance business, and is also one of the Di- 
rectors of the Kenton Savings Bank. 

The mother of our subject was prior to her 
marriage Miss Rachel Hooker, a native of Knox 
County, this state, and the daughter of Henson 
and Susannah (Young) Hooker, both of who.se 
families lived near Baltimore, Md. The Youngs 
were of Irish ancestry. George Young, who was 
the grandfather of our subject's mother, .served 
as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, in which 
conflict he lost a leg. He later became one of the 
pioneers of Wyandot County, this state, coming 
here in company with Cornelius Young. He de- 
parted this life in 1844, at the remarkable age of 
one hundred and five years. The Hookers were 
prominent in the political life of Maryland, and 
were extensive slave-owners. Rachel was the 
youngest in the parental family of ten children, 
comprising five sons and five daughters. Her 
brothers are now living in five different states in 
various parts of the countrj', and are principally 
engaged in farming. 

Our subject, as stated above, was the only son 
of his parents. There were four daughters, how- 
ever, two of whom are now living: Enima C, the 
wife of Henry J. Miller, a shoe merchant of Ken- 
ton; and Alta M., who married B. F. Schultz, a 
commercial traveler. 

Mr. Norton, of this sketch, was a lad of twelve 
years when his parents came to Kenton. His 
education was therefore obtained in the schools 
of this city, and in 187 1 he was graduated from 
the high school, being at that time the first boy 
to complete his education in that school. A 
notable fact in this connection is that in the class 
with him.self were four girls, only one of whom 
ever married, and she died a few months after- 
ward. 

Upon beginning life for himself 3'oung Norton 
clerked in his father's store, and in July, 1878, 
after the business was disposed of, was made As- 
sistant Cashier in the Kenton Savings Bank. In 
1888, however, he assumed the respon.sibilities of 
Cashier of the same institution, a position he has 
since filled with marked ability. He is also one 
of its Directors and largest stockholders, and is 
interested in various other enterprises in the city. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



being a Director of the Kenton Free Librarj' and 
one of the Trustees of the Kenton Citj' Water 
Works. At all times he can be relied upon to 
support measures which are calculated to up- 
build the city. He is a Thirty-second Degree 
Mason and a member of the Shrine. He makes 
his home with his parents, who occupy one of the 
pleasantest residences in the city. As a citizen 
he is progressive, able and honorable, and his 
record is blameless, both in private life and as a 
bank ofl&cial. In politics he is a stanch Repub- 
lican. 



li-^"i^|te 



nOSEPH MORRIS was formerly a prominent 
I and influential farmer of Montgomery Town- 
(2) ship, Marion County, where he operated an 
excellent estate of eighty acres, all well improved. 
His death was very sudden, and came as a great 
shock to his family and many friends. This was 
on the 1 2th of December, 1894. 

Mr. Morris, who was a native of this county, 
was born on the 9th of August, 1835, and was 
the son of Benjamin and Sarah (Riley) Morris. 
Although his parents were people of moderate 
means, they managed to give him a fair educa- 
tion, and at their death left him in po.sse.ssion of 
the home place. He was married, September 25, 
1856, to Caroline McNeal, daughter of Thomas 
and Elizabeth McNeal, both natives of Ireland. 
After landing on the American shore, they con- 
tinued their westward way, and finally located in 
Wyandot County, Ohio. They were farmers in 
the Emerald Isle, and continued to make this 
their life work in their new home. After a short 
time they located in Marion County, where their 
seven children were reared, and both Mr. and Mrs. 
McNeal died. Mrs. Morris was born March 5, 
1837, and by her union with our subject has be- 
come the mother of five children. The eldest, 
Ellen, was born June 12, 1857, and is now the 
wife of John Gillespie; Albert was born July 2, 
i860, and is farming in this county; Isaac was 



born July 31, 1862, and died September 25, 1878; 
William, whose birth occurred May 11, 1867, 
makes his home in Hardin County, this state; 
Thomas, who was bom November 30, 1S73, lives 
with his widowed mother and looks after the 
farm. Edward, the .son of Mrs. John Gillespie, 
who was born March 8, 1878, also lives with Mrs. 
Morris, who cares for him as though he were her 
own son. 

When our subject was young his parents rented 
land, and for three years they occupied the fann 
belonging to John Clark. Later they moved upon 
the tract now in possession of his widow. Dur- 
ing their later years they were well-to-do, and 
were enabled to supply themselves with many of 
the comforts of life. The estate embraces eighty 
acres, and is managed in such a way as to yield 
good returns. 

Joseph Morris was a member of the United 
Brethren Church, and throughout the locality 
where he resided was regarded as a thorough 
Christian and one well liked for his kindly con- 
sideration of others. He upheld the principles 
of Republicanism with much vigor and enthusi- 
asm, and at all times used his influence in behalf 
of the party of his choice. 



EHRLSTIAN POMMERT, who is engaged in 
the boot and .shoe business at Caledonia, is a 
.self-made man, as when he first arrived in 
this place he had only $2 in the world, and now 
owns a good store and .stock in addition to a pleas- 
ant home. He is a native of Baden, Germany, 
having been born March 9, 1830. He continued 
to dwell in his native land until reaching his ma- 
jority, and before leaving home learned the shoe- 
maker's trade. During the Prussian War he was 
in the ser\'ice for three months. In 1851 he took 
passage on a sailing-vessel bound for the United 
States, and after a voyage of thirty-six days ar- 
rived in New York City. Continuing his west- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



203 



ward trip as far as Sandusky, Ohio, he worked at 
his trade in that city for two years. In 1853 he 
removed to Caledonia, and continued to work as 
a journeyman until 1868, when he added a stock 
of boots and shoes, and has been in business ever 
since, with the exception of six years, when his 
son conducted the establishment. He is the old- 
est business man in the place, which was a very 
small town when he first saw it. 

The parents of Christian Pommert were Fred- 
erick and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Pommert, who 
were both natives of Baden and spent their en- 
tire lives in that province. The father was a 
weaver of linen by trade, and managed to make 
a good living for his family. He died when in 
the prime of life, at the age of fifty-one years, 
while his wife attained her fifty-seventh year. 
They were the parents of eight children, of whom 
Christian is the youngest. 

In 1853 Christian Pommert married Elizabeth 
Gartner, who died in 1861. Four children were 
born to this marriage: Catherine, who died at the 
age of eight years; George P., who died at the 
age of about two years; Elizabeth, who died 
when about one and a-half years old; and Annie, 
who passed away when about one year old. In 
1862 Mr. Pommert wedded Mary E. Hanich, by 
whom he had six children, namely: Caroline, 
who died at the age of three years; John, who is 
running a hotel and restaurant at Caledonia, 
Ohio; Louisa, Mrs. Andrew Fulton, of Bucy- 
rus; Ella, Mrs. Samuel Maley, also of Bucyrus; 
Charles, who is now at home with his father, en- 
gaged in the shoe business, and who was united 
in marriage with Miss Cora Estella Blue on the 
19th of December, 1894; and Mary L., who re- 
sides in Peoria, 111., and is the wife of George 
Metzger. The mother of these children died 
March 12, 1876. In 1881 Mr. Pommert married 
Henrietta Hart, who was called to her final rest 
April 27, 1893. The present wife of our subject 
was formerly Eliza Mathias, a native of this coun- 
ty, and their marriage was celebrated October 22, 
1893- 

In his politics Mr. Pommert is unswerving 
in his allegiance to the Democracj'. He has never 
been desirous of holding public office, and the 



oidy position he has ever filled has been that of 
City Councilman, an office which he has held for 
three years. He is a member of the Methodist 
Church, and strives to put in daily practice the 
teachings of the Golden Rule. 



■g)g-^g$>;^^-g-^is-sig-«»s^^ig-aie^(s-^ie^;is- 



NARLEV J. HILL, who holds the important 
position of .Surveyor of Marion County, is a 
young man of marked ability. He is a na- 
tive of the county in which he is residing, and 
was born in Latimberville, February 11, 1868. 
His father, William Hill, who was also born 
within the boundaries of Marion County, is a 
prominent stockman and wealthy resident of Ma- 
rion. 

Grandfather John Hill came to this county from 
Knox County, Ohio, in which .section he was one 
of the early settlers. The family is of Scotch an- 
cestr5-, and beyond this fact but little is known of 
its history. 

Mrs. Elizabeth (Rosecrans) Hill, the mother 
of our subject, was the granddaughter of John 
Rosecrans, who was a second cousin of the noted 
General bearing the same name. Her grandfa- 
ther, who many years ago was a member of the 
State Legislature, was more familiarlj' known to 
the old residents as "Squire" Rosecrans, as he 
was Justice of the Peace for a period of thirty- 
three years. He was at one time County Com- 
missioner, and so conducted himself in his career 
as official and citizen as to win the respect and 
regard of all who knew him. 

Harley J., of this sketch, was the only mem- 
ber of his parents' family who lived to mature 
years. His early education was conducted in the 
common schools of Marion County, after which 
he became a student at the Ohio State Univer- 
.sity. He served two years as Deputy County 
Surveyor, and in 1893 was elected as the head of 
that office. He is an able and efficient servant of 
the people, devoting his entire time to the duties 
of his position. For some time prior to serving 



204 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in the County Sun'eyor's ofBce he engaged as a 
clerk with several railroad companies in the city. 
In politics Mr. Hill uses his ballot in favor of 
Democratic nominees and principles, and has al- 
ways been an ally of the part\- .since casting his 
first Presidential vote. He is a Knight of Pyth- 
ias and a member of the order of Elks. He stands 
high in the former order and has passed nearly 
all the chairs of the same. 



=il^ 



REV. JACOB PISTER is minister in charge 
of St. John's Evangelical Church of Ken- 
ton, and is a young man of great promise. 
In 1887 he entered the theological college at St. 
Louis, Mo., and at the end of three j'ears gradu- 
ated, in June, 1890. He was .still too young to be 
ordained as a mini.ster, and had to wait until aft- 
er his twenty-fir.st birthdaj-. His ordination was 
celebrated November 16, 1890, in Cincinnati, and 
in the next month he was assigned to take charge 
of the church in Ripley, Brown County, Ohio. 
There he remained for three and a-half years, 
when, Februarj' 18, 1894, he was called to his 
present congregation. Like his father, he has had 
great success in building up weak and discour- 
aged congregations. Though he has been in this 
city but a very short time, his work here has 
been remarkable, for he has strengthened the 
weak congregation and infused new life into every 
department of its activity. 

The birth of Jacob Pister occurred in Balti- 
more, Md., November 20, 1869, his parents being 
Jacob, Sr., and Dorothy (Fangmeyer) Pister, 
who were married in Baltimore, Februarj' 16, 
1869. The father was born in Ha.s.sloch, Rhen- 
ish Bavaria, March 27, 1843, and had just com- 
pleted his studies in the universities ofTuebingen 
and Erlangen when the German-Austrian War of 
1866 broke out, and to evade militarj- service he 
emigrated to the United States. His parents were 
very poor and had a large family. In order to 
obtain money for his education he taught Latin, 



and was also helped by several German and Rus- 
sian noblemen, with whom he was a great favor- 
ite. Phy.sically he was the finest specimen of 
manhood in the college, and was so fine an ath- 
lete that he was but once challenged to a duel, ac- 
cording to the custom of Gennan colleges. With 
a number of his friends of the nobility he once 
called on the present King of Roumania, who 
gave them a royal welcome and a feast. Many 
of his colleagues are now members of the German 
Reichstag. His parents were John and Anna 
(Link) Pister, the former of whom was left an 
orphan and later learned the wagon-maker's 
trade. His ancestors were among the unfortunate 
people whose lands were invaded by Louis XI\'. 
of France, and who suffered on account of their 
Protestant faith. 

From the time he was six until fourteen years 
of age, Jacob Pister, Sr. , walked four miles from 
his home to the school at Neustadt. The next 
five years he was a student iu the gymnasium of 
Speier, after which he entered the universities be- 
fore mentioned, and graduated mider some of the 
most learned theologians of the day, among them 
being Hertzog, Delitzsch and Beck. After the 
young man had been ordained for the ministrj-, 
he was summoned for military service, but hav- 
ing some difficulty with a brutal lieutenant, he 
returned home on a leave of absence and at once 
sailed for America. From New York he walked 
to Philadelphia, where he found himself on Sat- 
urday night penniless. He applied to Dr. F. 
Wiehle in his need. The minister was a very re- 
serv^ed man, and wi.shing to see for himself what 
kind of a young man he was, told him that he 
could occupy the pul])it on the following day. 
The stranger was tlioroughly frightened, and 
though he trembled like a leaf, went through with 
the ceremonies as best he could. He pleased the 
old Doctor, who said, "You are the kind of a 
young man I want; I have a place for you." 
The next day he was sent to Baltimore and was 
given charge of a weak congregation on Calvert 
Street. Under his jurisdiction the chuich pros- 
pered, and a new house of worship and a school 
were soon erected. Mr. Pi.ster was Superintend- 
ent of the school, which finally had three hun- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



205 



dred pupils and seven teachers. He was stationed 
there for seven j^ears, and in the mean time was 
married, in 1869. In the spring of 1872 he re- 
turned on a six-months visit to Germany. On 
his return to Baltimore he resumed his work, 
and in 1873 resigned from the Reformed Synod, 
subsequenth' becoming a member of the German 
Evangelical Synod of North America. He ac- 
cepted a call about that time from the St. John's 
Evangelical L,utheran Church in Baltimore, and 
four years later was installed as pastor of the 
Evangelical Church on Trinity Street, in the 
same city. When four years had elapsed he as- 
sumed the pastorate of St. Matthew's Evangelical 
Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. There he remained 
for nine j-ears, since which time he has officiated 
at Philippes' Evangelical Church, at the corner 
of Race Street and McMicken Avenue. 

The mother of Jacob Pister, Jr. , was a daugh- 
ter of John Fangmeyer, and was left motherless 
when only one year old. She was born in Balti- 
more, July 4, 1849, and was married in her twen- 
tieth year. Her father was a flour merchant and 
successful business man of Baltimore. Fourteen 
children were born to Jacob Pister, Sr. , and wife, 
the eldest of whom is the subject of this narra- 
tive, and the others as follows: William; Dorothy, 
who was born while the family was visiting in 
Germany; Adelheid, who died in infancy; Charles; 
Arthur and Eugene, deceased; Ro.salie; Robert; 
Ottilie, who died in her eleventh year; Talitha; 
Herbert; Erwin; and Walter, who died in in- 
fancy. The mother departed this life Decem- 
ber 7, 1893. 

From his fourth until his sixth year, our sub- 
ject attended a kindergarten in Baltimore, and 
then entered Scheib's private school, where he 
pursued his studies until the family moved to 
Cincinnati, in the year 188 1. There he gradu- 
ated from the grammar school, and at once en- 
tered the preparatory college at Elmhur.st, 111. 
He skipped two clas.ses and graduated in three 
years, in 1886. He was not allowed to enter the 
theological seminary on account of his extreme 
youth, and for the next year devoted his time al- 
most entirely to music. As an organist he dis- 
plays great ability, and it is his particular delight 



to sit down to a grand pipe organ, from which he 
can evoke wonderful strains of melody. 

Augu.st 2, 1 89 1 occurred the marriage of Jacob 
■Pister and Paulina, daughter of Charles and Sy- 
billa (Elitzer) Guckenberger, who were married 
in Cincinnati in 1854. Mrs. Pi.ster was born in 
that city February 17, 1869, being the eighth in 
a family of ten children. One of her brothers, 
George, is President of the Atlas National Bank 
of Cincinnati, of which her brother William is 
Ca.shier. Benjamin, another brother, is Professor 
in the Cincinnati College of Mu.sic, having charge 
of piano in.struction, while his wife is a teacher 
of vocal music. William, a brother of our sub- 
ject, is Assistant Corporation Counsel of the .same 
city. To Mr. and Mrs. Pister were born four 
sons, two of whom died in infancy. Francis 
Harold was born November 14, 1893, in Ripley, 
Ohio; and Eouis Vernon February 7, 1895, i" 
Kenton. In his political relations our subject is 
a Republican. 

Rev. Mr. Pi.ster has charge of two churches, 
one in the city and the other in the country, both 
belonging to the same parish. Since coming here, 
the increase in membership in the churches has 
reached two hundred. The country congrega- 
tion recently completed a fine edifice, and the con- 
gregation at Kenton expects soon to place a $2,000 
pipe organ in their church. The latter congre- 
gation gave Mr. Pister a victoria phjeton as a 
token of esteem, while the country church pre- 
sented him with a fine horse. Not only is he es- 
teemed and appreciated by his pari.shioners, but 
also by all with whom he is thrown in contact, 
and his earnest nature impresses itself upon his as- 
sociates, winning their recognition and approval. 



f^^i-^i"i^il^^#t^ 



LIVER LINDSAY has owned and operated 
his farm on section 6, Claridon Township, 
Marion County, since 1851. At that time 
he purchased ninety-seven acres, but has since 
increa.sed his possessions, until he is the owner of 



2o6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



two hundred and eightj' acres of valuable and 
well improved land. He commenced the battle 
of life without capital, but boldly overcame the 
difficulties which he met in his way. He has al- 
ways been a friend to education and worthy en- 
terprises, and merits the love and respect which 
are freely accorded him by tho.se who know him 
best. 

The parents of the above-named gentleman 
were John and Jeanette (Reed) Lind.say, natives 
of Pennsylvania, and the former of Irish descent. 
In the year 1821 John Lindsay emigrated to 
Marion County, the journey being made by team. 
He leased a tract of unimproved land in Scott 
Township for a few years, and then became the 
owner of forty acres, mainly prairie land. Here 
he lived for a number of years, and later entered 
his homestead of one hundred and twenty acres 
from the Government, on which he passed his 
remaining years. He was called to his final rest 
in 1854, and was buried in Miller's Cemetery. 
His wife died in her eighty-eighth year, and was 
placed to rest by the side of her husband. Polit- 
ically he was a Democrat, and, like a good citi- 
zen, was interested in whatever affected the pub- 
lic welfare. 

Oliver Lindsay is the second in order of birth 
in a family of seven children. His elder brother, 
James, died in Februarj-, 1889; Mary became the 
wife of James Miller, a farmer of Marion County, 
and both are now decea.sed; Elizabeth is the wife 
of John A. Foos, vvho.se sketch appears elsewhere 
in this work; Rhoda is the wife of James Foos, 
also a farmer; Montgomery is a farmer residing 
on section 6, Claridon Township; and one died in 
infancy. Our subject was born in Centre County, 
Pa., November 16, 1816, and when five years of 
age came to this county, growing to manhood in 
Scott Town.ship. His education was such as was 
afforded by the subscription schools located some 
two miles from his home, and this distance he 
traversed in all kinds of weather. When twenty- 
three years of age young Lindsay started out to 
make his own way in the wo;-ld, and for the first 
year thereafter received $10 a month besides his 
board. Several years were spent in this manner, 
his wages having been increased in the mean lime 



to $12 per month. About 1850 he went to Indi- 
ana and took up two hundred and forty acres of 
Government land. He later purchased one hun- 
dred and sixty acres, and soon thereafter sold the 
entire tract. He remained there for one winter, 
but then returned to Scott Township, and in 
1 85 1 bought the farm which has since received 
his attention and care. In politics he is a Dem- 
ocrat, as was his father, and when called upon to 
do so has ser\-ed efficiently in township offices. 
November 22, 1856, Mr. Lindsay and Mary 
A. Sidel were united in marriage, and of their 
union six children were born. John, the eldest, 
married Mi.ss Mary E. Mahaffey; Catherine, the 
eldest daughter, is the wife of David Hummer; 
Sophia J. died in March, 1891; Elizabeth married 
Sherman Longnecker; James died in infancy; 
and Alfretta is the wife of Lewis Patton. The 
mother of these children was called to the silent 
land March 25, 1890, and was placed to rest in 
Likins Cemetery. She was a faithful and de- 
voted wife and mother, a kind friend, a good 
neighbor and one who was beloved by all. 



+ - f 



0AVI1) CRAY, a history of who.se life is 
herewith presented to our readers, has pa.ssed 
from the scene of earthly joys and sorrows 
to his final resting-place. He was a progressive 
farmer in Montgomery Township, and rose to a 
position in agricultural affairs which many might 
envy. He was sincerely respected by all those 
who knew him, and such was his integrity 
that his promise was considered as good as his 
bond. The estate of three hundred acres is car- 
ried on by his widow, who manages affairs on a 
paying basis. A portion of this land came to 
Mrs. Gray at her father's death, part of it when 
Mr. Gray died, and the remainder was owned 
jointly by Mr. Gray and his father-in-law. 

Mr. Gray was born October 15, 1829, in Ohio, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



207 



and was the son of George and Jane (Barr) Gray, 
natives of Delaware, but who came to this state 
and located in Marion County in a very early day 
in its histoi-y. David, of this sketch, was the 
eldest but one of the faniil>- of seven children. 
Henry is deceased; James is a resident of Lima, 
this state; John F. is engaged in agricultural 
pursuits in Big Island Township; Sarah makes 
her home in Lima; Amos B. is living in Scott 
Town, this county; and Mary is now Mrs. David 
Humphrey, of Lima. 

The subject of this sketch was married, De- 
cember 14, 1858, to Lucinda VanHouten, the 
daughter of David and Tamma (Messinger) Van 
Houten, natives, respectively, of New Jersey and 
Connecticut. On coming to Ohio, they located 
in Big Island Township, Marion County, where 
Mr. Van Houten entered laud, erecting thereon a 
substantial residence. To them were born two 
children; Lucinda, Mrs. Gray, born Decem1)er 
24, 1829; and Ivliza A., the wife of James Rhodes, 
who was born February 25, 18,-54, 'T"1 ^lic'l June 
30, 1856. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Gray were granted three chil- 
dren. Flora was born June 28, i860, and is now 
the wife of Dewillis Davis. They reside on the 
home place. Clara J., who was born Febru.iry 
23, 1862, is now Mrs. Elmer Mason, and lives 
in Scott Town. Amos was liorn Januar\- 24, 

1865, and died April 3, 1866. 

David Gray pa.ssed from tliis life Se]ilenil)ur 11, 

1866, leaving a wife and two children. The 
homestead is one of the finest in Marion County, 
the buildings thereon being of a substantial char- 
acter, and the .soil is kept rich and ]irodnctive. 
Mr. Gray was a carpenter, which fact nia\ c.\ 
plain why his estate bore such good buildings. 
He was a Democrat in politics. 

The Van Houtens made their home in Big Is- 
land Township for about four \ ears, when they 
removed to Michigan, remaining in the Wolver- 
ine State for about fifteen years. ( )n their re- 
turn to this county, at the expiration of that 
time, we find them located on section i, Mont- 
gomery Township, engaged in general farming 
and stock-rai.sing. The mother of Mrs. Gray was 
a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in 



politics her father was a Democrat. He died 
December 22, 1870, while his good wife pa.ssed 
away June 30, 1874. They were both interred 
in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. 

Mrs. Gray is a devoted member of the Tresby- 
terian Clnirch, in llie fnitji uf which she was 
trained by her niuthcr. .Siie has lliree grand- 
children, nanieh-; Clarence, burn in iS8j; Au- 
riel in 1884, and Lillian M. in 1893. She takes 
an interest in all about her, and is so uiiiver.sally 
esteemed and .-;o well known that these few lines 
will find nuun- interested readers. 



LI.IAM ]■;. HULL is the progressive and 
able editor of the Caledonia lintcrprise, 
with which he has been connected as pro- 
prietor and publisJier for u\\\\ three years, but 
during this timi.' has infnsid new life and energy 
into the journal, which is now considered one of 
the best issued in this section of tlie stale. The 
Enlcrpriic is devoted strictly to the local field, 
and is specially alive to the interests of this par- 
ticular connnunity. On political questions it is 
independent. 

The jiarents of William \\. I hill were James H. 
and Mina (Campbell) Hull. The "former was 
born in Pennsylvania, wliere he was reared to 
manhood and learned the shoemaker's trade. He 
later removed with his parents to Morrow Coun- 
ty, Ohio, and continued to follow his cliosen vo- 
cation in different towns of the Buckeye State un- 
til his marriage. He then purcha.sed a farm in 
Morrow County, which he engaged in cultivating 
for several years. After a short residence in 
Williams County, he returned to Morrow Coun- 
ty, bought a farm, andcontiimed to dwell thereon 
until his death, which occurred at the age of fifty- 
six years. His parents were also born in the 
Kevstone .State, but were of Scotch extraction. 



20S 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPHirAI RECORD. 



Mrs. Mina Hull was born in Morrow County, 
Ohio, and is still living, her home now being in 
Denver, Colo. 

The birth of \\'illiani E. Hull occurred on his 
father's farm in Franklin Township, Morrow 
County, July 26, 1868, and his boyhood was 
passed on the old homestead. In his fourteenth 
year he entered a printing-office at Mt. Gilead, 
Ohio, remaining there for some six years and ac- 
quiring a thorough knowledge of the business 
during that period. Later, going to Mt. Vernon, 
this state, he ran a job-printing office for about 
a year. From the latter city he removed to Co- 
lumbus, and for two 3'ears was engaged upon the 
Ohio State Joiunal, and finally, in 1892, pur- 
chased the Caledonia Argus, which had been 
started in 1875, but whose subscription list was 
small. When Mr. Hull assumed its management 
he changed the name and is now doing a good 
business. The subscribers to the sheet are con- 
stantly increasing in number, and about six hun- 
dred copies are issued weekly. 

On Christmas Day, 1889, a marriage ceremony 
was celebrated by which Miss Nellie E. Eaycox, 
of Mt. Gilead, became the wife of William E. 
Hull. The young couple have a pleasant home 
and are received in the best social circles of Cale- 
donia, where they have many warm friends. 



*^^! 



1^^ 



0I'..\I)TAH MHXER was one of the influen- 
tial and notable farmers of Claridon Town- 
ship, Marion County. At the time of his 
death, wliich occurred July 24, 1890, he was the 
owner of about nine hundred acres, four hundred 
of which constitute the home farm. There he 
carried on general fanning and stock- rai.sing for 
a number of decades, and year by year advanced 
in ])r(>sperity. He was a Republican politically, 
and held numerous offices of trust and honor. 

Mr. Miller was born in Lincolnshire, England, 
January 13, 1819, to John and Alice (Priddon) 
Miller. He was one of four sons and four daugh- 



ters, and was bom on a farm that had been owned 
by his ancestors for five hundred years. When 
he was a lad of thirteen years he cros.sed the At- 
lantic with his parents in a sailing-vessel, passing 
eleven long and tiresome weeks on the ocean, and 
landing at Quebec. While disembarking, the 
vessel suddenly capsized, and eleven persons, in- 
cluding his mother and younge.st brother and sis- 
ter, were drowned. They lost almost all of thejr 
clothes and money, and experienced the greatest 
difficulty and hardship in reaching their destina- 
tion, Richland County, Ohio. Our subject ar- 
rived in this state in 1832, and walked from 
Cleveland to Mansfield, in which place he was 
bound out as apprentice to the carpenter's trade. 
For a period of .seven years he served industri- 
ously and faithfully, receiving in return nothing 
but his board and clothes. 

In 1840 Mr. Miller came from Mansfield to 
Marion County. About five years later he went 
to England on a visit, but eventuallj' came back 
to this locality, and worked at his trade for .some 
years. His first purchase of land comprised 
twenty acres, for which he paid $50. In 1847 
he bought one hundred and sixty acres of partly 
improved land in this township, but only lived 
thereon a couple of years. He then sold out and 
purchased another eighty-acre tract, and in 1859 
took up his permanent abode on the jilace where 
he continued to dwell until his death. 

January 5, 1846, Mr. Miller was united in mar- 
riage with Martha T., daughter of Richard and 
Ann (Bothamley) Thew. Mrs. Miller was born 
in Lincolnshire, England, December 28, 1822, 
and the following year was brought by her par- 
ents to the United States, where the family duly 
arrived after a journey which consumed ten 
weeks. Their first location was in Richland 
County, but in 1827 they became residents of 
Marion County. Mrs. Miller well remembers see- 
ing the Indians when she first came here, and re- 
members the county seat when there were only a 
few log houses in the place. Her education was 
obtained in an old-fashioned log .schoolhouse and 
her girlhood was spent in a log cabin. 

Seven children came to bless the home of Oba- 
diah Miller and his wife, namely: Elizabeth, who 




IK IN. IKANK C.IVlvN. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



died in 1862; William, who is a farmer of this 
township; Emeline, who was called to the silent 
land when in her ninth year; Mary, who is the 
wife of George Williams; Alice, widow of Charles 
Gilson; David, who died in infancy; and Frank, 
an enterprising young farmer of this township. 
Mr. Miller was for a long time a member of the 
Methodist Church, and Mrs. Miller is still an act- 
ive worker in the denomination. 



+^ 



:h^ 



HON. FRANK GIVEN, Probate Judge of 
Hardin County, is one of the able, ener- 
getic and leading citizens of Kenton. He 
was born in Roundhead Township, this county, 
thirteen miles southwest of this cit}^ April 28, 
1846. His father, Alexander Given, was born 
in Ross County, Ohio, March 14, 181 1, while his 
grandfather, who bore the name of William, was 
a native of Maryland, and came of good Scotch 
stock. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and 
about eight j-ears after the close of that conflict 
came to Hardin County, where he died in 1848. 
Previous to this, however, he was a resident of 
Ro.ss County, whither he had removed in a very 
early day. 

During middle life Alexander Given was one 
of the prominent figures in the social and political 
life of this county. He was for many years Jus- 
tice of the Peace and Treasurer of McDonald 
Town.ship, and, being a thoroughly reliable and 
upright citizen, his advice was often sought by 
his neighbors and friends. Although eighty- 
four years of age, he is now living on his farm in 
McDonald Township, where he has resided since 
1830, and by the residents of the community is 
held in the highest esteem. The mother of Judge 
Given was prior to her marriage Mary Camp- 
bell, the daughter of Daniel and Rebecca Camp- 
bell. Her father was also a patriot in the War 
of 1812, and one of the pioneers of Ross County. 
He became a resident of Hardin County prior to 
6 



its organization, and when this important change 
was brought about was elected its first Recorder. 
He was a well educated and well informed man, 
and many years ago was one of the Associate 
Judges of the county, and a man who took an 
active part in all the leading movements of the 
day and locality. He died in 1864, aged seventy- 
four years. The mother of our subject departed 
this life in 1850, when he was only four j'cars of 
age. She was the mother of two sons and two 
daughters, of whom Daniel C. died in 1859, when 
quite young. The sisters of our subject are mar- 
ried and live in this county. 

The education of Judge Given was conducted 
in the primitive schools of his district, and as 
these were of a .superior kind he improved the 
moments of every day in which he was allowed 
to attend, and when young was given a certifi- 
cate to teach, this occupation furnishing him with 
the means to continue his studies. 

Although filling the office of Justice of the 
Peace for fifteen years, and that of Treasurer and 
Clerk of Roundhead Township, Mr. Given con- 
tinned to live on the farm on the estate near where 
he was born until the fall of 1893, when he was 
the successful candidate for the office of Probate 
Judge. He had been brought prominently for- 
ward by his party on two other occasions, but 
each time was defeated. He is one of the most 
prominent Republicans in Hardin County, and is 
a most highly esteemed and popular official. He 
is a Mason of high standing, and at all times and 
in all places has shown him,self to be a loyal citi- 
zen, and is well regarded by his fellow-townsmen. 

In 1865 Judge Frank Given was married to 
Miss Eliza, daughter of Solomon Marmon, one 
of the pioneers of Hardin County. She became 
the mother of seven children, and died in March, 
1880. Of these, three are deceased. Those liv- 
ing are Walter C., Boyd, Eva Blanche and Rob- 
ert. The two eldest sons reside on the farm 
owned by our subject, and Robert is a student in 
the .schools of Kenton. Blanche married Lewis 
Montville, and their one son is named Perry R. 
Walter married Elsie B. Hoon, and has three 
children, Robert Roy, Virgil and an infant. 

Judge Given was married in Januaiy, 1882, to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Malinda Slaybaugh, a lady of Gennan birth, and 
the daughter of a prominent Indiana fanner. 
They have three children, Ada E., Marj- C. and 
Louis F. Judge Given has for many years ex- 
ercised a prominent part in the councils of the 
Republican party of this county and congression- 
al district. 



((§). .^A^- .(g)] 



gENJAMIN WADDEL. Having spent his 
entire life within the limits of Richland 
Township, Marion County, the subject of 
this sketch is known to almost every resident 
within its boundaries. He resides upon a valu- 
able and finely improved farm, which comprises 
two hundred and thirty acres, and in addition to 
this property he owns other real estate, his entire 
landed pos.sessions aggregating four hundred and 
sixty-six acres. This, however, by no means 
represents the extent of his life work, for he gave 
each of his sons when starting in the world $io,- 
ooo in cash, or its value in land, and he has also 
been generous in his donations to his nephews 
and other relatives. 

A sketch of the life of Mr. Waddel will be use- 
ful as an example to the young, for it shows what 
may be accomplislied by an energetic and indus- 
trious man, even though he begins his business 
career with nothing but a pair of willing hands 
and a robu.st constitution. He was born in Rich- 
land Township, Marion County, February 23, 
1829, and is the son of John Waddel, a Virginian 
by birth. His father died when he was a lad of 
twelve, and the following year he began to work 
for others as a farm laborer, receiving at first only 
$3 a month. He continued to work by the day 
or month until he was twenty-one, and never re- 
ceived more than $9 per month. 

On attaining his majority, our subject sold his 
interest in his father's estate for $200, and put- 
ting that amount with wliat he had earned, he 



bought one hundred acres of land, paying $1,000 
cash and incurring a small indebtedness for the 
remainder. Settling upon the place, he kept 
"bachelor's hall" for a 3'ear, meantime building a 
small frame house and barn. Januarj' 8, 1852, 
he married Mi.ss Jane Oborn, and in February 
they moved to their new home. April i, 1853, 
he sold the farm for $3,000 cash; this was his first 
speculation, and it certainly was a most encour- 
aging one. 

With the $1,000 which he had earned through 
his labors on the farm, Mr. Waddel made a loan 
at ten per cent, interest, and from that time to 
this, a period of more than forty years, he has 
kept that amount and all of its interest, com- 
pounded at not less than eight per cent., without 
losing a dollar of the sum, which now amounts 
to over $25,000. A portion of the amount real- 
ized from the sale of his farm he devoted to the 
purchase of five acres in Richland Township, near 
Kings Mills. After paying for the lot and build- 
ings, he had $1,000 left with which to speculate 
iu hogs. He began in that line April i, 1853, 
and continued about six years, his profits in that 
time being some $16,000. 

In January, 1859, Mr. Waddel purchased three 
hundred acres in Waldo and Richland Townships, 
a portion of the tract being on section 29, and 
known as the Book Farm. On that place he set- 
tled April I, 1859, and the same year built the 
house in which he now lives. In i860 he began 
dealing in sheep and cattle, and also engaged in 
general farm pursuits. When the war broke out 
he sent a substitute to the front and remained at 
home, attending to the management of his estate. 
Between i860 and 1870 he made, clear of all ex- 
penses, about $60,000, all of which was realized 
from the breeding and sale of stock, except $1 1,- 
000 made from the purchase of five hundred and 
forty acres lying two miles north of Marion, which 
he sold to E. Coon in 1870. 

During 1871 Mr. Waddel began to speculate in 
life insurance, taking out $50,000 on the straight 
life plan, but using his dividends to pay on his 
assessments. For the past twenty-three years he 
has been paying $1,500 per year, making about 
$35,000 altogether, and if he should live ten 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



years longer he will have paid out the full amount 
of his policies. However, while the investment 
did not prove a profitable one, he does not regret 
that he did not die soon enough to cause a loss 
on the part of the companies, for his policies are 
free from taxes, and he considers them a safe in- 
vestment. 

A few years ago Mr. Waddel owned about fif- 
teen hundred acres of land, but he has reduced 
his acreage about one-third, having learned by 
experience that the land was less profitable than 
the money loaned at eight percent, interest. His 
.success has been gained through his frugalit)- and 
economy, combined with good business judgment. 
When he was a boy, people, noticing his frugal 
habits, called him "stingy," but he always re- 
plied that he would rather be stingy in boyhood 
than a pauper in old age. He never spent money 
foolishly, never .smoked a cigar or pipe in his life, 
and never drank intoxicants; in fact, he is a 
stanch Prohibitionist, and carries out his princi- 
ples in his life. In youth he was unable to dress 
well, and never had a pair of boots or tailor- 
made clothes until he was twenty -three, when he 
bought a wedding suit. Styles in those days were 
radically different from these of the present time. 
Young men were more anxious to save money 
than to .spend it, and the young ladies did not re- 
fuse their companj-, though often they were bare- 
footed and in their shirt sleeves. Mr. Waddel re- 
calls distinctly that he was thus arrayed the first 
time he ever escorted a young lady home, and 
says that she did not object to his costume, for .she 
invited him to call again. 

Buggies were unknown in those days. The 
first introduced into Richland Township was in 
1845 by Titus King, a popular and well-to-do 
citizen, who was thought by some to be getting 
proud when he introduced this iiuiovation. In 
1835 this same gentleman bought a cook stove, 
the first in the township. The first mowing-ma- 
chine was bought by Michael Jacoby in 1855. 
School privileges were very meager. Our sub- 
ject attended the Jacoby .school for a short time, 
but all he learned (to quote from himself) was 
"to chew paper wads and throw at the other pu- 
pils." The sclioolhou.se was thirty feet square. 



made of hewed logs, with a .split puncheon floor; 
the benches were of basswood, writing desks of 
rough .sawed ash boards, and openings were left 
between the logs for the admission of light. The 
bucket in which water was carried was a large 
home-made concern, very rough, with a home- 
made rope for a bail and a large gourd for a cup. 
The teacher taught Dutch and English, having 
about twenty pupils in each language. About a 
half-hour before the time for the spelling-class, he 
would tell the boys and girls to study their spell- 
ing les.son out loud, with what result the reader 
may imagine, though the English pupils were 
forced to admit that the Dutch scholars could 
make more noise than they. It was the custom 
for the children to go to the .school very early on 
Christmas morning and lock the teacher out, re- 
fusing to admit him until he promised to treat 
them to two bushels of apples. This they had 
done one Christinas as usual, and had secured the 
desired treat, but the following New Year's Day, 
when they tried the plan a second time, hoping 
for another treat, their teacher outwitted them. 
Getting a ladder, he climbed upon the roof of the 
building and covered the chimney with boards, 
so that the boys were smoked out of the house. 
It will be seen from this that, while there was 
plenty of hard work, there was no lack of fun as 
well. 

The lady who for thirty-nine years was the de- 
voted wife of Mr. Waddel was Jane, daughter of 
Joseph and Mary Oborn. She was born in Perry 
County, Ohio, in 1831, and died May 20, 1891, 
aged sixty years, one month and ten days. They 
reared six children, all sons. The eldest, George, 
was born November 2, 1852, and died September 
ID, 1893, when about forty-one years old. The 
others are Joseph, born September 30, 1856; John 
L,ee, December 8, i860; Benjamin, Jr., Decem- 
ber 13, 1866; William O., August 6, 1S69; and 
Fant, April 7, 1873. All the sons are doing 
well, and are energetic and promising young 
men. 

Mr. Waddel believes that success is a matter, 
not of mere luck, but of economy, determination 
and industry. When starting out for him.self, he 
found that the best way to make money was 



214 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RliCORD. 



to save it, no matter how small the amount. He 
earned his first two cents by gathering two dozen 
goose quills and walking three miles to sell them. 
His first nickel he received for kissing his aunt; 
and his first dollar was made by catching and 
skinning twenty rabbits, which he walked nine 
miles to .sell. This was fifty-eight j'ears ago, but 
the lesson of industrj- which it teaches might be 
learned by the rising generation to their benefit. 
The first railroad in Ohio was built in 1851 and 
was called the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincin- 
nati, or The Three C's. Mr. Waddel shipped the 
first load of cattle shipped from Cardington, Ohio. 
The first gravel road in Marion County was built 
in 1869, by a joint-stock company. It was ten 
miles long and co.st $21,000. Judge Bowen went 
to Columbus and secured the charter from the 
Legislature, while Edward Uncapher and Mr. 
Waddel circulated the sulxscription paper and 
raised the required amount. For twenty-four 
years it was run as a toll-road, after which it was 
sold to the county, and it was made free in 1883. 
There are now twelve free pikes running into 
Marion, all of which are first-cla.ss. In fact, the 
example set by this county in securing good roads 
might well be imitated by other counties of the 
state. 



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ICIIAEL JACOBY carries on general farm- 
ing on section 29, Richland Towiishij), Ma- 
rion County. He is recognized as a prac- 
tical and progressive farmer, for fifteen years 
being a member of the Agricultural Board of this 
county. In the local Methodist Church he has 
long i)een very prominent and active, lias serv-ed 
as a Class-Leader, and has acted in the capacity 
of Steward for eighteen years. 

The birth of Michael Jacoby cxrcurrcd on sec- 
tion 2Q, this township, May 24, 1843. His fa- 
ther, who bore the same Christian name, was a 
native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Schuyl- 
kill County, in March, 1809, being of Dutch de- 



scent. His wife, Elizabeth, formerly a Miss Wor- 
line, was a native of Delaware, Ohio, and by 
her marriage became the mother of ten chil- 
dren. Michael Jacoby, Sr., emigrated to Fair- 
field County, Ohio, with his father, John Jacoby, 
in 1 82 1, and the following year settled in what 
is now Richland Township, of this county. His 
father took up eighty acres of Government land 
on section 29, and put up a log cabin in the mid.st 
of the forest, this structure being still in a fair 
state of preservation. About 1830 Michael Jac- 
oby, Sr. , entered one hundred and sixty acres of 
Government land adjoining his father's farm, and 
about 1843 nioved to the home.stead now owned 
by our subject. This was a place of eighty acres 
on section 29, and only .seven acres had been 
cleared. He erected a good frame house, which 
is yet standing, and lived here until the fall of 
1889, when he retired and passed his last years 
in Marion. At the lime of his death he owned 
about six hundred acres, entirely the result of his 
own energy and business ability. He began life 
a poor boy, and the first year that he worked 
for him.self received $53, of which he saved all 
but $3. His experience was that common to the 
early pioneers of this region. His grain was 
hauled to Sandu.sky; he helped to lay out roads 
and organized schools, and it was within his rec- 
ollection when Marion contained only one store, 
a black.smith shop and one dwelling-house. He 
was twenty-one years old when he was elected 
Township Clerk, and for eighteen years he was 
Justice of the Peace. He died in the faith of the 
Methodist Church, May 11, 1890, and was in- 
terred in the family burying-ground by the side 
of his wife, who had preceded him to the silent 
land by about four years. 

The subject of this narrative has lived his en- 
tire life, with the exception of the first six months 
of his infancy', on the farm which he now carries 
on. To the original eighty acres he has added 
other tracts, uiUil he is now the owner of two hun- 
dred and fourteen acres. He received a district- 
school education, but made the be.st of his oppor- 
tunities, and has had sufficient knowledge to en- 
able him to fight bravely the battle of life. 

September 7, 1865, Michael Jacoby married 



PORTKAIT AND HIOCUArillCAL RECORD. 



215 



Miss Cathfriiic ]'jikt>-, wlio was born March 24, 
1845. They bccainc Ihc iiarciits of six chikhx'ii; 
Cliarlcs; Henry W., who (Ued when two years 
old; John W., l"'lorenee ])., Virt;inia K. anil Mary 
J. 'J'lic two elder sons ■.nv allendinj;' college at 
Delaware, ( )hio. Charles is pursuing a medical 
course, and jolm is preparing hinisell' fur llu- legal 
]irolession. 

Politically Mr. J.ieohy is allili.iled willi lite 
Deuiocratic party. He has held the olliees of 
Town.ship Clerk, Constable and Coroner to his 
own credit and to the salisfacti(jn of his constitu- 
ents. His failhhd wile, wdio was a true friend 
and companion in all his jo\s and sorrows, died 
August 25, 1894. 

The brothers and si.slers of Michael jacoby and 
the dates of their births are .-is follows: Cather- 
ine, August 27, 1833; Mary, J.anuary 8, 1S36; 
Henry, March 23, 1838; James, July 25, 1840; 
John, October 27, 1845; Iviizabeth, July 29, 1849; 
Margaret B., February 18, 1852; lilias, January 
10, 1855; and Maria, February 23, 1859. James 
was a I^ieutenant in Comjiany K, Sixty-sixth 
Ohio Infantry, and Henry held the same office in 
Company D, Ivighty-.second Oliio Infantry. He 
was killed at Gettysburg, July 2, 1864, and his 
remains were bronghl back home. 



QlIlMr DIlvTb'.RICII was a pioneer in the 
L' tailor's trade at Marion, the county .seat 
t^ c if Marion Comity, and conducted an estab- 
lishment of his own from the year 1835 u]) to 
within two years of his death, which occurred in 
1890. A careful and exact workman, he was re- 
liable, and could be depended upon in every par- 
ticular, thus wimiing friends as well as customers. 
In religious work he took a great interest, and 
was a very active member of the old Lutheran 
Church, which he helped to organize, and for 
years was a teacher in the Sunday-.school. For 
about fifty-five years he worked uninterruptedly 
at his trade, and was rruely idle for more than a 



day or so ;it ;i time. iMaternrdly he was a Ma- 
.son, .and at his demise liis funeral ser\ices were 
conducted b\ the local lodges. 

The birlli of our subject occurred l''i.-bruar>- 26, 
I .Sn.|, in ( '.eriuauN', on a fai ni. lie received a good 
edutalion in the mother tongue, and i)assed his 
l)oyhood engaged in agricultural piusnils. When 
he was twenty yeaisol .igi- he le.irned the l.iilor's 
trade, and worked at lli.-il e.illing for a few years 
before coining to America. In 1835 he crossed 
the All:iutie, and for a sliort lime w.as ioeatt-d ;il 
Baltimore, Mil. IIowe\ei, he soon t-ontiuued his 
jouiuey wistward, and on arriving at iM.uioii 
concluded to make the ]iromising village his |)er 
maneut home. 

In 1S31; Mr. DiekTieh mariied the l.uK' wiio 
survives him, and whose maiden name was Mary 
Bolander. ,She was born in the Buekeye Stale, 
.and lure grew lo wom.inhood. Three children 
caiui' to bless this union, llie eldest, l''.ugeue, hav- 
ing been born ()eliilier 30, i,S|i. I le reeeivi.'il a 
good general husiness eilucalion, and assisted his 
father in his tailoring business for some \ears. 
Jose])liine was a successful teacher in Ihi.' [lublic 
schools of Marion for se\'er;d >i.'ars; and Ihe 
youngest of till' family died in infancy. In [892 
Mrs. I )ii-terieh, with lur remaining son .and 
daughter, nioxed to liei present home, a \ery 
pretty i>lace situated ju.st outside the city limits, 
and comprising about forty-one acres. As was 
lier husb.aud, Mrs. Dieterich is a mendjer of the 
Luther.in Cinirch, and is a liberal contributor to 
religious and benevolent enterprises. The family 
is respected and esteemed by a large circle of 
friends. 



l®_.. ^M)h__ _Ja)j 

•I* 4**H* *!"{* '{••S* •$• ^ •$* •J* •5**5**i**5* 



EIvORGI': I'lvTTlCR, Jr., was the owner of 
two hundred and sixty-si.x acres of land at 
the time of his demise. On this property he 
had made all the improvements and had .so great- 
ly increased its \';due that il was considered one- 



2l6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of the best in Claridon Township. He was a 
native of Marion County, having been born on 
section 20, this township, in 1836. He was of 
German descent, and possessed the energetic and 
industrious qualities which are well known char- 
acteristics of the race. He received but a limited 
education and .started out in life a poor boy, but, 
undaunted by the difficulties which he found in 
his pathway, rose steadily year by year, and ac- 
quired not only a competence, but an enviable 
place in the hearts of his neighbors and acquaint- 
ances. He was ever anxious to help worthy 
public enterprises and benevolences. 

The parents of our subject were George and 
Elizabeth A. (Kile) Fetter, who were both born 
in Hessen, Germany. They had a family of 
seven children, five sons and two daughters, name- 
ly: George; John, who died in Indiana; Leonard, 
now a resident of Gallon, Ohio; Marj-, the wife 
of John Lust, now living in Marion; Philip, a res- 
ident of Marion; Caroline, wife of Jacob Lust, a 
farmer of Pleasant Township, Marion County; 
and Henry A., a resident of Ft. Recovery, Ohio. 
They left the Fatherland about 1832 and became 
residents of this township. George Fetter, Jr. , 
was quite young when his parents moved to the 
old homestead, which he afterwards owned and 
cultivated up to the time of his death. It was 
then unimproved and comprised one hundred and 
sixtj' acres. Remaining at home until reaching 
his majority, young Fetter then rented land and 
operated the same for about ten years. After- 
ward he purchased his grandfather's farm, upon 
which he made many improvements, and to this 
tract he added another one hundred acres, thus 
making him the owner of two hundred and sixty- 
.six acres altogether. He carried on general farm- 
ing and stock-raising, and usually carried to a 
successful completion whatever he undertook. 

April 27, 1858, George Fetter was married to 
Mar>', daughter of Gottlieb and Christina Rosa 
(Miller) Mautz, who were both natives of Ger- 
many. They were the parents of four sons and 
four daughters, and became residents of the 
United States about 1830. For .seven years they 
resided in Pennsylvania, later coming to Marion 
County. Of their children we make the following 



mention: Caroline, wife of Daniel Fishenberger, 
is now deceased; Jacob died April 10, 1895; 
Mary A. is the next in order; Christina became 
the wife of Chri.stian Behner, but both are now 
deceased; Gottlieb died when a few months old; 
John is now a resident of Pleasant Township; 
Christ F. died at the age of four years; and Lydia, 
the wife of Albert Zimmerman, is now living in 
Marion. 

Mrs. Fetter was boni in the Keystone State, 
January 6, 1837, and by her marriage with our 
subject became the mother of ten children. George 
F. is a resident of Marion; Jacob is a farmer of 
this county; Amelia M., who was one of twins, 
died Januarj' 11, 1890; Samuel H., William P. 
and Frank J. all reside in Marion; Clara L. and 
Alice were twins. The latter died when a few 
months old, but Clara is living at home. Ed- 
ward H. is next in order of birth; and one died 
in infancj'. 

George Fetter was an ardent and zealous mem- 
ber of the Lutheran Church for many j'cars, and 
to the same denomination his wife also belongs. 
He was a Democrat and held a number of town- 
ship and school offices to the satisfaction of all. 
He was called to his final rest July 1 1, 1884, and 
his remains were interred in Marion Cemetery. 



^HOMAS J. CANTWELL. Few residents 
f C of Hardin County have gained such marked 
\*) prominence in the business world as has 
the subject of this sketch, wlio.se life furnishes a 
splendid illustration of what it is in the power of 
an aml)itious and indu.strious man to accomplish 
for himself. Starting at the clo.se of his school 
days as a clerk on a .small salarj', within twenty 
years he has built up a business of more than 
$125,000 per year, and .stands at the head of the 
hardware merchants of central Ohio. By up- 
right dealings and good management he has 
amassed a fortune. As a model progressive and 
.sagacious business man, he has no superiors and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



217 



few equals. Aside from his extensive hardware 
and machinery business in Kenton, he is largely 
interested in other enterprises in this city, and is 
one of its most influential citizens. 

Before presenting in detail the events in the 
life of Mr. Cantwell, some mention of his ances- 
tors may be appropriate. His father, Col. James 
Cantwell, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 
181 1, and when in his teens moved with his par- 
ents to Mansfield, Richland County, this state. 
In 1836 he married Miss Sarah S. Ferguson, and 
they continued to reside in Richland County until 
1861, when they came to Kenton. Their family 
consisted of eight children, two of whom died in 
infancy. The others, according to age, are as 
follows: Jennie E., who was married in 186410 
John StilHngs, a prominent lawyer of Kenton; 
Nannie, Alonzo, Hattie, Josephine and Thomas J. 
Mrs. Jennie E. Stillings died in 1872, leaving 
two sons, Ray and Mark, the former a lawyer 
and editor of the Kenton Republican, and the lat- 
ter of whom died in 1893. 

Nannie, the second daughter, was married in 
1862 to Rev. Henry Wallace, at that time pastor 
of the United Presbyterian Churches of Daven- 
port, Iowa, and Rock Island, 111. Of their seven 
children, two died in childhood and five are still 
living. Henry C, the eldest son, who is a Pro- 
fessor in the Iowa Agricultural College at Ames, 
Iowa, married, in 1887, Miss May Brodhead, of 
Muscatine, Iowa, and they have three children. 
The other children are Josephine, who is now in 
Dublin, Ireland, studying music; Harriet E.stelle, 
who married in 1888 Newton B. Ashby, of Nor- 
wood, Iowa, now American Consul at Dublin, 
by whom she has three children; John P., who 
was for two years clerk and stenographer for 
the Secretary of State of Iowa, and is now bus- 
iness manager of one of the leading dairy papers 
of the state; and Daniel, the youngest, who is a 
student in the high .school. Owing to failing 
health, Rev. Henry Wallace was obliged to give 
up his pastoral work, and is now editor-in-chief 
of the lozva Homestead, at Des Moines, Iowa. 
His wife takes great interest in art and literature, 
and has always been an enthusiastic worker for 
the soldiers of the late war. 



Dr. Alonzo W. Cantwell, the next member of 
the family circle, was graduated from the Uni- 
versity of Michigan in 1869, and has since prac- 
ticed his profession in Davenport, Iowa, where 
he has a large and remunerative practice. From 
the members of the profession he has received 
many honors, having been elected President of the 
Scott County Medical Society and Treasurer of 
the Iowa and Illinois Central Medical A.ssocia- 
tion. He was the first President of the Iowa 
Public Health Association, and is now President 
of the Pen.sion Board of Examining Surgeons of 
Davenport. He is also consulting physician of 
St. Luke's Hospital, and President of the Medical 
Board of Mercy Hospital, of which he has been a 
member for twenty-five years. For twenty-two 
years he has been physician of the Board of 
Health of Davenport. In 1872 he married Miss 
Mattie Dalzell, of Davenport, and they have two 
sons: James Y ., who is now studying pharmacy 
at the New York College of Pharmacy in New 
City; and John D., a student at Kemper Hall. 

Hattie, the next younger of the family, was 
married, in 1S62, to Alden W. James, of New 
York City, at that time a prosperous hardware 
merchant of Kenton, but who died in Bozeman, 
Mont., in 1888. They had four sons, all of 
whom are living. The eldest was married in 1890 
and is now a resident of Spokane, Wash. Mrs. 
Hattie James was a second time married, in 1893 
becoming the wife of Edwin Williams, of Cleve- 
land, Ohio, and they now make their home in 
Spokane, Wash. Josephine, the youngest sister 
of our subject, was married in 1869 to Samuel 
Rutan, a merchant of Carlton, Ohio, and they 
had two children. They and their elder child 
are now deceased. 

Colonel Cantwell served as Captain in the 
Mexican War in 1846, no braver man answering 
the call for help. When the flag of our country 
was assailed in 1861, although he was then in his 
fiftieth year, he was among the first to respond to 
the call. In the organization of the Fourth Ohio 
Infantry he was elected Lieutenant-Colonel. Six 
months later he recruited the Eighty-second Ohio 
Infantry, of which he was Colonel and which he 
led through many battles during the first two 



2l8 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



years of the war. His commission as Brigadier- 
General came the day he was killed, August 29, 
1862, while gallantly leading the advance of the 
brigade at the second battle of Bull Run. The 
loss to his family words cannot tell. His name 
has been revered by all who knew him. A mon- 
ument to his memory, erected by his family and 
soldiers, marks his resting-place, and the same 
stone also shows the death of the noble and de- 
voted wife in 1888; she was beloved by old and 
young, and her memorj' is dear to the hearts of 
her descendants. Jennie, their first-born, rests 
beside them, also Josephine and two children who 
died in infancy. 

Born in Richland County, Ohio, October 4, 
1850, the subject of this sketch came to Kenton 
with his parents at the age of nine years, and re- 
ceived his primarj' education in the schools here, 
later conducting his studies at Griswold College, 
in Davenport, Iowa. He began his business ca- 
reer by accepting a clerkship in the hardware 
store of Harford & Nutting, in Davenport, re- 
maining with them initil 1873, when he returned 
to Kenton, and in a small way embarked in the 
hardware business, under the imme of Cantwell & 
Co., his brothers-in-law, John Stillings and A. 
W. James, being his partners. Not long after- 
ward the others bought out Mr. Stillings' inter- 
est, and the business was continued by them ini- 
der the same name. In 1886 the partnership 
was dissolved, and Mr. Cantwell associated with 
him.self his present partner, George Binckley, 
who had for years been his confidential clerk and 
bookkeeper. About 1884 he added carriage man- 
ufacturing to his rapidly increasing business, and 
has since continued this deiiartnient witli marked 
success. 

In the First National Bank of Kenton and the 
Kenton National Bank, Mr. Cantwell has been a 
.stockholder and Director. He was identified with 
the organization of the Smith Silk Works, and 
also aided in organizing the Kenton Natural Gas 
Company. While a Democrat in politics, he has 
refrained from taking any active part in political 
matters, his entire energy being directed to the 
management of his bu.sine.ss affairs. He is a 
Thirty -.second Degree Ma.son and a high degree 



Odd Fellcjw , ami was District Deputy of the last- 
named order. He is also connected with the 
Elks. 

Februarj- 3, 1879, Mr. Cantwell married Miss 
Kate, the accomplished daughter of Dr. A. J. 
Rogers, a prominent druggist of Kenton. They 
have two children, Bessie and Mamie, aged re- 
spectively fourteen and eleven years. With his 
family Mr. Cantwell occupies one of the finest res- 
idences in the city. It is located on North Main 
Street, and, with the well kept grounds that sur- 
round it, occupies a full half-block. 



^ I ' I ■ I '- ^ 



(TOHN U. HEHvMAN. Industn,- and per- 
I severance are essential factors to success in 
(2/ any line of business, and it is these qualities 
that have brought prosperity to Mr. Heilman. 
With the thrift and stability of his Teutonic an- 
cestors, he combines the American characteristics 
of pluck and push. It is not strange, therefore, 
that more thon ordinary success has rewarded 
his efforts. For more than thirty years a resident 
of Hardin County, he now makes his honie on 
section 33 of Goshen Township, where he owns 
and cultivates two hundred and twenty-four acres 
of valimble land. 

A native of Ohio, Mr. Heilman was born in Col- 
umbiana County, April 7, 1842, being the fifth 
among the eight children that conipri.sed the fam- 
ily of John and Klizabelh (Dreitz) Heilman. His 
father was born, reared and married in Him, Ger- 
many, where he followed the trade of a .shoema- 
ker. In 1840 he took passage on a ship bound 
for America, and after a stormy voyage of six 
months he landed in this country. Proceeding 
at once to Ohio, he settled near Lima, where he 
cultivated a rented farm for one year, and for six 
years carried on a distiller}-. In 1848 he removed 
to Ashland County, this state, where he pur- 
cha.sed a farm and continued to make his home 
until 1861. He then came to Hardin County, 
and, buying a farm, engaged in its cultivation un- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



til his death, at the age of seventy-five years. At 
the time of emigrating to America, he was a poor 
man, with Httle to call his own luil an energetic 
disposition and an npright character. Throngh 
economy and jndiciOns management, he became 
well-to-do, and at the time of his death his landed 
possessions aggregated two hundred and twenty- 
five acres. His remains were interred in the 
Grove Cemetery at Kenton. Politically he was 
a Democrat, and in religions faith a member of 
the Evangelical Lutheran Churcli. 

The mother of our subject, also .i native of 
Germany, spent her last years in Hardin Ci>unt> , 
where she died at the age of seventy-lour. ,Slie 
is buried by the side of her hu.sband in the C5rove 
Cemetery. She was a strict church mendjcr, and 
trained her chiklren in the Lutheran faith. Our 
subject remained with his parents until twenty- 
three years of age, meantime a.ssisting in clearing 
and cultivating the home farm, and for brief 
intervals attending the common schools of the 
neighborhood. When the time came for him to 
select a life occupation, he chose that to which 
he had been reared, and has .since devoted his at- 
tention to agricultural pursuits. At fir.st, in con- 
nection with cultivating a rented farm, he oper- 
ated a sawmill, but of late years he has followed 
farm work exclusively. 

The lady who, on the t5th of I'V-bruary, 1866, 
became the wife of Mr. lleilman was Miss Mar- 
garet A. Pfeiffer, whose birth occurred in Cham- 
paign County, Ohio, December 22, 1844. She 
is the daughter of John George Pfeiffer, concern- 
ing whom mention is made upon another page of 
this volume. In his political faith, Mr. Heilman is 
a Democrat. For twenty years or more he has 
filled the position of Township Tru.stee, to which 
he has been elected by his fellow- citizens irre- 
spective of their political opinions. At different 
times he has been offered the candidacy for Sher- 
iff and other county offices, but, his time being 
devoted to his private business affairs, he has 
never felt it wise to accept. With his wife he 
holds membership in the Ivvangelical Lutheran 
Church. 

Although Mr. and Mrs. Heilman have no 
children of their own, the\- have taken five chil- 



dren into their home, as follows: I<)ffie Bunce, 
now deceased; Daniel H. Bunce; William 1). 
Heilman, a nephew; Louisa Adle, who is still at 
home; and Maggie Wolf To these children they 
gave a good home and tlie benefits of the schools 
in the neighborhood. 

An honest, iqiriglit man, reliable in his deal 
ings with others, energetic in his farm work, an<l 
accommodating in his intercourse with his neigh- 
l)ors, Mr. Heilni.ui nia\' justly l)e termed one of 
thi' most inlluential .-ind prnniinent of Goshen 
Township's citi/ens. 



IgL ^<M^ ,(S)j 



3AM1<;S LA\VUI';NCI';, who departed this life 
Jtnie 29, 1SS3, was one of the wealthy and 
progressive farmers of Claridon Township, 
Marion Comity, and left at the time of his demise 
a valuable estate of nearlv fi\e hundred acres. 
He was mainh- self-educated, as he was early 
pbliged to abandon school in order to acquire his 
livelihood. 1 le was truly the architect of his own 
fortune, for he niatle most of his pos.sessions 
through his own industry and good l)nsiness(iual- 
ificatittns. 

The birth of James Lawrence occurred in Lin- 
colnshire, England, in iSio, his parents being Ed- 
ward and Martha Lawrence. His boyhood was 
pa.ssed in a small village, and while still a mere 
lad he became .strongly imbued with the idea of 
emigrating to America, where he believed that a 
young man of ambition and enterprise had a 
nuich better chance to .succeed. Accordingly, he 
sailed with his brother William for the TTnited 
States in 1832, and .-it tlu' end of seven weeks 
lauded in New York City. He continued his 
we.stward journey to Ohio by way of the canal 
and lakes, and after pro.specting for a .sliort time 
decided to permanently locate in this rount\ . h'or 
a few years he worked on farms by the month, in 
this WAV aciiniring a sum of moiiev' which jiroved 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the nucleus nt his future fortune, and invested in 
a tract of wild and unimproved timber land in 
Claridon Township. At his death he was the 
owner of four hundred and sixty acres, much of 
which had been improved and brought to its 
valuable condition through his industry. 

In the year ICS54 Mr. Lawrence married Susan- 
nah, daughter of George and Ann Welborn. She 
was born in this town.ship in 1832, her father 
having settled here about a year previously. He 
emigrated from England and took up Govern- 
ment land near Caledonia to the extent of one 
hundred acres, for which he paid $1.25 per acre. 
Mrs. Lawrence received a district-school educa- 
tion in the old-time subscription schools. She is 
still living on the old homestead, and by her mar- 
riage became the mother of the following chil- 
dren: Benjamin F. , a progressive j-oung farmer 
living on the old homestead; Martha, who mar- 
ried Adam Austin, a farmer of this township; 
Sarah A., who lives at home; Marj* E., who mar- 
ried John Bainer, an Indiana farmer; Emma C, 
who wedded Elias Bainer and lives in this town- 
ship; Abbott, who remains on the old home farm; 
and William, who is deceased. 

In politics the sons are, like their father before 
them, all Republicans, and are practical and pro- 
gressive in their ideas of managing a farm. 



K7N II. C(JL\VELL, the General Manager and 
[y Treasurer of the Kenton Hardware Manu- 
I l*t facturing Company, or, as it is Ijetter known, 
the Kenton Lock Manufacturing Company, has 
achieved jmiminence among the enterprising bus- 
ness men of this city. He posse.s.ses personal and 
business qualities of the highest order, and his 
career has been both honorable and upright. 

Mr. Colwell was born in Lima, this state, De- 
cember 29, 1857. His father, Nicholas Colwell, 
or, as the name was originally spelled, Caldwell, 
was a tanner by trade, and early in the '50s 
owned and operated a tannery in Kenton. This 



he later abandoned and engaged in other branch- 
es of business at Lima, where he was residing at 
the outbreak of the Civil War. On Lincoln's 
first call for volunteers he responded, going out 
as a private, but was afterward made Drum-Maj- 
or of his regiment. Owing to the hardships of 
camp life, he died in a hospital, after two years of 
serv'ice. During the time the father was fighting 
for his countr>', the mother of our subject died, 
leaving a family of four small children, of whom 
N. H. was the youngest. They were too young 
to care for themselves, even had they possessed 
the means of support, and were therefore put un- 
der the care of strangers, our subject being 
taken into the home of Harri.son Maltbie, in Allen 
County. 

Mr. Colwell remained an iinnate of the Maltbie 
household until reaching his sixteenth year, dur- 
ing which time he was compelled to work hard, 
and was given but few advantages for obtaining 
an education. He emploj-ed everj- spare mo- 
ment in study, however, and at the age above 
mentioned set out to provide for himself. He 
went to Fremont, where he obtained work and 
attended school. Later he entered Heidelberg 
College at Tiffin. After leaving that institution 
he taught school about four years, and with the 
money he had saved attended the Ohio Normal 
University at Ada, from which he was graduated 
in 1879. He tauglit civil engineering and other 
branches in the universitj' at Ada, and for one 
year he was employed in Mexico as civil en- 
gineer on the Mexican National Railroad. On 
his return to Ohio he was made Civil Engineer of 
Hardin County, and during his incumbency of 
this office, a period of six years, he was also City 
Engineer of Kenton. The next three years were 
.spent as Civil Engineer for the Chicago & Erie 
Railroad Company, and when the Kenton Lock 
Manufacturing Company was organized he be- 
came one of the stockholders in that enterprise. 
In 1893 he was elected General Manager and 
Treasurer of the company, their plant being the 
largest west of the Alleghanies and giving em- 
ployment to one hundred and sixty persons. 
December i, 1894, the name was changed to the 
Kenton Hardware Manufacturing Company. In 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



223 



addition to his interest in these works, Mr. Col- 
well is a stockholder and Director in the Kenton 
Savings Bank, which is one of the reliable in.stitu- 
tions in this section and is well patronized 
by the business men and farmers of Kenton and 
vicinity. 

There are very few men who were thrown on 
their own resources at as early an age as was our 
subject, and not many of these have worked their 
way up to a more honoral)le position than he. 
His natural aptness and energy seemed to be de- 
veloped by contact with the world, and resulted 
in making his life more tlian ordinarily successful. 
He overcame every discouragement and difficulty 
which beset his path with that determination and 
strength of cliaracter which have placed him in 
the front rank among the business men of Hard- 
in County. He is prominently connected with 
the Second Regiment of Ohio National Guards, 
being Captain, Inspector of Rifle Practice and 
Signal Officer. He is a prominent Mason, a 
Knight Templar and Knight of Pythias, and also 
belongs to the Order of Elks, in one and all of 
which orders he takes an active part. 

Mr. Colwell and Mi.ss Delia M., daughter of 
the late Dr. William M. Chesney, were married 
January 17, 1884. To them has been born a son, 
Edwin C, now a lad of nine years. Mr. and Mrs. 
Colwell are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Politically he is a stanch Republican. 



""ZEKIEL HUNTER, .senior member of the 
^ firm of Hunter & Hipsher, of Caledonia, 
^_ has been longer engaged in acti\-e business 
in this place than any other man, and is one of 
her nio.st prominent citizens. Politicallj' he is a 
stanch Democrat and has .served as Township 
Treasurer for seven years, making a good record 
for himself and his constituents. He has been 
quite successful in a business way, and has a great 
many friends in all ranks of life. 

Our subject is the third of seven children born 



to James and Catherine (Hipsher) Hunter. The 
father was a native of Lancaster County, Pa., 
where his youth was passed on a farm. In early 
manhood he removed to Ohio, and was subse- 
quently married in Fairfield County. For a few 
years he engaged in school teaching, but later 
turned his attention to farm work. Settling in 
Richland County, he purchased the farm on which 
he pa.ssed the remainder of his life, his death oc- 
curring when in his sixty-eighth year. He en- 
listed as a private in the War of 1S12, but was 
promoted until he held the rank of vSergeant. 
Politically he was a Democrat. His parents were 
born in the United States, though they were of 
Irish extraction, and his father ser\'ed through- 
out the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Catherine 
Hunter was bom in Pennsylvania, as were also 
her parents, who were of German descent. She 
was a member of the Pre.sbyterian Church and 
was a worthy Christian woman. She was called 
to her final rest while in the prime of life, aged 
about forty-six years. 

Ezekiel Hunter was born March 11, 183 1, in 
Fairfield County, Ohio, and in his boyhood ob- 
tained a good knowledge of farming from practi- 
cal experience. He received a much better edu- 
cation than was the common lot of his school- 
mates, for after completing his elementar\- .studies 
he took a course in the high school. When he 
was in his twenty -third year he obtained a certifi- 
cate and taught school in Marion County for 
about five years, working on farms between his 
terms of school. 

In the spring of 1859 Mr. Hunter began mer- 
chandising in Caledonia, under the style of Under- 
wood & Hunter. At the end of three years he sold 
his interest to Mr. Underwood, who for a time 
conducted the business alone. In 1863 Mr. Hun- 
ter and J. E. Bell bought out the business of C. F. 
Rheurmond, and carried on the same line of busi- 
ness, under the finn name of Bell, Hunter & Co., 
for about thirteen years. In 1875 H. A. Hipsher, 
who represented the company in the old firm, and 
Mr. Hunter purcha.sed the interest of the other 
partner, since which time the business has con- 
tinued under the title of Hunter & Hipsher, who 
are the sole proprietors. In all his dealings with 



224 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



his fellow-citizens Mr. Hunter follows the teach- 
ings of the Golden Rule, with the result that he 
is respected and esteemed by all and has been 
prosperous in his various ventures. 

September 9, 1858, occurred the marriage of 
Ezekiel Hunter and Miss Cynthia Ilipsher, of 
this count}'. 



n AMEvS MORROW, an honored old settler of 

I Marion County, has lived for over forty-five 
C2/ years on a farm in Claridon Township. This 
homestead he rented for three years, but bought 
it about 1856. It is situated on section 20, and 
consists of two hundred and forty acres, well im- 
proved with good buildings and fences. The 
owner commenced in life without capital or influ- 
ential friends, and worked his own way upward 
to success, overcoming obstacles which might 
well have daunted a man of less courage. He 
has been a member of the Presbyterian Church 
since boyhood, and takes an earnest and zealous 
interest in the work of the church of that denom- 
ination in Marion. 

Born October 16, 18 17, our subject is a son of 
Hugh and Martha (Neily) Morrow, the former a 
native of Ireland. They had five children, three 
sons and two daughters, namely: William, John, 
Dorcas, Martha and James, the latter of whom is 
the only sur\'ivor. He was born and reared on 
a farm in Washington County, Pa., and attended 
the early subscription .schools, conducted in a log 
cabin, until he was about seventeen years of age. 

It was in the year 1835 that James Morrow set 
forth for Ohio, making the journey by team. He 
settled in Guern.sey County, where he lived un- 
til 1850, and then came to Marion County. He 
at once took up his residence on the farm where 
he .still makes his home, and diligently set to 
work to improve it and iucrea.se its value. He is 
a practical farmer, understanding everj- branch 
of the business, and is usually successful in his 
ventures. 

January 15, 1840, occurred the marriage of 
James Morrow and Elizabeth Cunningham. She 



w as born in a log cabin in Guernsey County, Jan- 
uary 23, 1818, and is a daughter of James and 
Eleanora Cunningham. In the pursuit of knowl- 
edge .she frequeiUly walked two miles and ahalf 
to school through the heavy snows of winter, 
and on the long, hot summer days. By her mar- 
riage she became the mother of six children, as 
follows: Hugh J.; John F., who died in 1889; Si- 
mon A., who pa.ssed from this life July 3, 1870; 
Martha, who is the wife of George Codding, of 
this countj'; Eleanora, who married Chester Or- 
cutt, and died in 18S5; and William E., who lives 
on the old homestead. In politics Mr. Morrow is 
a Prohibitionist. His life has been one of strict 
integrity and fairness in all his business dealings, 
and he therefore possesses the high esteem of all 
who have the ])lea.sure of his acquaintance. 

^0C ^^^•^•^•■^•^•^•^ ^^•^••8•^^^^ ^^•^^^^i^^^^^^•^i•^n••^^^^ X> 

HOWARD E. WASHBURN. An honorable 
position among the young farmers of Marion 
County is held by this gentleman, who is 
the fortunate posses.sor of a good estate on section 
22, Salt Rock Town.ship. The well tilled farm is 
devoted to the raising of mixed crops and the or- 
dinary amount of stock, both grain and animals 
being of a good qualit)-. A home-like dwelling 
and various outbuildings indicate to the pa.sser-by 
that the land is occupied by a man of enterprise 
and good judgment. 

Our subject was born in this township February 
2, 1859, and was the fourth child of five born to 
Elias and Elizabeth (Morral) Washburn. The 
father, who was one of the prominent residents of 
this .section, is represented on another page in 
this volume, where the reader will find a full ac- 
count of his hi.story. 

Howard li. was only about two years of age 
when his father was killed, and he was therefore 
reared by his mother, with whom he remained 
until attaining mature years. In the mean 
time he attended school and acquired a thorough 
knowledge of the common brandies taught in the 
district. January 21, 1892, he took unto himself 
a wife in the person of Miss Dora F. Brady, a 




l'Ri:i)HRICK HAHHRMAN. 



PORTRAIT AND lUOOKAPIIICAI. HKCORD. 



227 



native of this ci)init\', lioiii mi the i;,tli of Sej)- 
temher, i.S'').s. '""l IIk' claiii^iikr ol Thomas and 
Ivlleii (Cook) I'.iady. The lonuer was horn in 
Marion Connty, vSejitenilKT, 16, iS_vS, and is 
still living, making his home within its boundar- 
ies. His father was likewise a resident of this 
section of country during his entire life. The 
great-grandfather of Mrs. Washbnrn was a native 
of New York, and on his ad\ent into Ohio was 
one of the first to locate in tliis then territory. 
Mr. Hrady's mother was born in Delaware Coun- 
ty, this state, ami her parents were natives of New 
England, and an old and honored I'aniiiy in tlial 
portion of the United Stales. 

To our subject and his wife h.is bei.n born one 
child, a daughter, lona Iv., I)orn December 14, 
1892. In his ])olitical relations Mr. Washburn 
votes for Republican candidates, and upholds the 
principles of the jiarty on every occasion. He is 
thoroughly informed as a farmer and is successful 
in this as in other departments of work. 

r~l<KDKRICK HAHIvKMAN. Among the 
1^ most noted and repre.senl.'iti\e nan of Marion 
I stands Frederick Haberman, whose high reji- 
utation and material pro.sperity have come as the 
reward of unusual natural abilities industriously 
applied. He is a native of this city, and was 
born on North Main Street, .September i, 1854. 
Christian Haberman, the father of our subject, 
was a native of Hanover, Germany, and was born 
October 6, 1829. His father, wdio bore the name 
of Conrad, came to America as a Uritish soldier 
during the War ol' iSij. He was seriously 
wounded in one.- ol' tiie engagements in which he 
participated, and w.is rescued and cared for by 
the Americans, wlioni he had considered his ene- 
mies up to that lime. ( )n fully recovering from 
his injuries, he look up arms against the Mother 
Country, and was during the remainder of his stay 
here loyal to American interests. He returned to 
his native land after a residence of .seventeen years 
in the United States, and died there in 1831, when 
the father of our subject was two years of age. 



Clirisli.in Haberman learned liie stonemason's 
trade in Germany, and in 1852, oncoming to this 
country, located in Marion, where he gave his un- 
divided attention to this business for many years. 
He then inwsU-d his surplus ca])ital in a large 
stone-quarry, which he o])er.aled successfully, and 
as the years passed l)y acinnnilaled a handsome 
fortune. He is also the owner of an extensive 
farm, but, not being a i)ractical farmer, has it 
worked by other ]>arties, .and now lives retired in 
Marion. ,Se\-eral \e.ars ago he was honored by 
being elected one of llu' Directors of the Connty 
InfirmarN', a position he now holds. 

'i'lic motlur ol our subject was Gertrude Seas 
belort- her m.irriage. .She w.is also born in Ger- 
many, but canu- to this countr\- with her ]);irents 
when young. Slu- be'canu' the mother of five 
sons, of whom iMederick is the ehk-st. He ob- 
tained his pi im,ar\- education in the schools of this 
comity, comiileting his studies at the college in 
Berea, this state, lieing now iire]).ired to begin 
life for himself, he began clerking in the hardware 
store of George H. Kliiig, of Marion, and for ten 
years was in his eni])loy. That gentleman then be- 
ing desirous of selling his stock of goods, our sub- 
ject jnirchased the same, .and for five years was 
one of the smvessful merchants of the place. At 
till- end of that time he withdrew from the busi- 
ness, .and lor the following year was Secretary of 
the Marion Manufacturing Company. He re- 
signed this position in oriler to accept the offer 
made him ]>y the W. Urigham Conipaiu- of Cleve- 
l.iiid to l>ecome traveling salesman. The latter 
compaii\- conduct one of tJie largest wholesale' 
lianlwart- i-slablishmciits in the United States. 
Alter being thus employed li\e \ears, in 1892 he 
bought his ]iresent liardware store, and is now 
doing a splendid l)usiness. 

Mr. Ilaberm.ni is inttacsted in many of the 
leading indnstrii-s of the cit\', being the second 
largest .stock iioldcr in the Marion Manufactur- 
ing Compai^-. lie also has stock in the vSteam 
Shovel Works, the Iluber Manufacturing Com- 
pany, the Marion Implement Company, the Ice 
and Cold Storage Company, and in the Automatic 
Boiler Feeder Company. He is President of the 
Marion Tool Company, President of the Marion 



228 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPfflCAL RECORD. 



Hedge and Wire Company, and is interested fi- 
nancially in the Marion Street Railway and the 
electric-light plant. He is a member of the Ohio 
State Board of Commerce, one of the executive 
committee of the Ohio Hardware Association, and 
a member of the Huber Guards. 

As is plain to be seen, he is one of the most 
thorough and energetic business men in the citj-, 
and, being a man of observation and excellent 
judgment, is well posted regarding the manage- 
ment of most of the enterpri.ses in which he is in- 
terested. Although a very bu.sy man, he was 
prevailed upon to become a member of the City 
Council, and for two terms filled this office. 

Frederick Haberman was married in 1875 to 
Miss Cora Clark, of Marion, and they have four 
children: Gertrude, Hallie, Henry and Fred. 
The grandfather of Mrs. Cora Haberman, John 
Clark, emigrated from Hager.stown, Md., to Ma- 
rion in 1824, when Marion had a population of 
only about sixty. Her father, Capt. J. Walter 
Clark, is one of the three oldest living citizens 
who were born in Marion. The Haberman fam- 
ily occupies one of the finest residences in the 
city, and our subject and his wife inmiber among 
their friends the best residents in the county. 
Socially Mr. Haberman is Exalted Ruler of the 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is a 
Knight of Pythias, is identified with the Royal 
Arcanum, and is President of the Elks' Annual 
Circus Carnival. Religiously he is connected 
with the Epi-scopal Church, and is now serving 
as Vestryman. 



(TOHN A. EBHARDT was an iixlustrious and 
I worthy German-American citizen of Clari- 
(2) don Township, Marion County, and though 
his death occurred over two decades ago he is 
well remembered and kindly spoken of by his 
former neighbors and associates. He was one of 
the early settlers of this county, to which he emi- 
grated in 1829, and with whose development and 



histor\ his life was identified thenceforward. He 
came here empty-handed, a stranger in a strange 
land, and worked his way upward to a position 
of influence and pro.sperity through the industri- 
ous and persevering qualities common to his coun- 
trymen. 

The birth of John A. Ebhardt occurred June 20, 
1809, in Germany, where he received a good 
common-school education. He continued to dwell 
in his native land until he was twentj- years of 
age, when, being ambitious to succeed, he deter- 
mined to try his fortune in the United States. 
After a long journey in a sailing-vessel he landed 
at his destination, and soon after reached this 
county. He obtained work with farmers, and 
was employed at his trade — that of tanning — 
which he had learned in the Fatherland. In 
1 844 he came to the village of Claridon and started 
a tanner}-, which he continued to operate until 
his death. 

In religious belief Mr. Ebhardt was a German- 
Lutheran, and an active member of the church. 
He was a friend to education, and served as a 
School Director for several tenns. In political 
matters he was a Democrat, and never failed to 
deposit his ballot at election times. He was called 
to his final rest April 8, 1873, and his remains 
were interred in the Claridon Cemetery. 

In the year 1854 occurred the marriage of John 
A. Ebhardt and Sarah, daughter of Lawrence 
and Mary Yoger. The lady was born in Ger- 
many in 1825, and was only five years of age when 
she bade adieu to her native land and with her 
parents took passage on a .sailing-vessel bound for 
the hospitable shores of the United States. The 
voyage consumed sixty days, but at length they 
reached New York in safety. 

Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Eb- 
hardt. Three of the number died in early child- 
hood, and the others are as follows: John, Lena, 
Maggie, David, Adam, William, Frederick and 
Emma. Mrs. Ivbhardt, now in the evening of 
life, is surrounded by the comforts which her af- 
fectionate and dutiful children delight to bestow 
upon her. She was a true helpmate and com- 
panion to her husband and struggled bravely with 
the difficulties which fell to their lot. She pos- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



229 



sesses the good-will and friendship of a large cir- 
cle of acquaintances and old neighbors, and it is 
most fitting that this brief tribute should appear 
among the histories of the worthy old settlers and 
residents of this county. 



G: 



,P^\ 



'^m\ 






-C"^ 



=^ 



0ANIEL AUGENSTEIN is one of the 
worthy German-American farmers of Ma- 
rion County, and owns a fertile and well 
equipped homestead on section 25, Waldo Town- 
ship. He has been Justice of the Peace for three 
years, has served as Township Treasurer for ten 
years, and has been Township Trustee for sixteen 
years. In 1890 he was elected to serve as one of 
the Infirmary Directors for a term of three years, 
and at the end of that period was re-elected. He 
is a leader in the ranks of the local Democracy, 
and has always been noted for his public spirit. 
For some time he has been retired from active 
cares, enjoying the rest which he truly deserves. 
In the parental family our subject is the next 
to the youngest in order of birth, his parents be- 
ing George F. and Barbara (Boligarj Augenstein, 
natives of Baden. Their other children were 
Minnie, Lawrence and Godfried, who are all de- 
ceased, and George F. Barbara is the widow of 
Frederick Grull. 

Born in Baden, Germany, March 8, 1822, 
Daniel Augenstein passed his first fifteen years on 
a farm in that country. He was a youth of am- 
bition and well fixed purpose to succeed in life's 
battles, and in order to carry out his plans he 
came to the United States in 1837, alone. His 
journey was continued to Richland Township, 
Marion County, where he hired out to a farmer 
for the first year at $6 per month and board. He 
continued to be thus employed for the next seven 
years, when he returned to his native land, and 
after making a short visit brought back with him 
his father and mother. ,Soon afterward he pur- 
chased two hundred and forty acres of land in 



Waldo Township; this property, by the way, hav- 
ing formerly been owned by ex-President Hayes. 
With the exception of five acres which had been 
broken, the farm wa^ absolutely without improve- 
ments and was covered with thick forests. A 
log cabin was soon erected and in a few years the 
place had changed materially in appearance un- 
der the untiring exertions of our subject. 

March 4, 1844, Mr. Augenstein married Mar- 
garet Bender, who bore him four children; Jacob, 
now deceased; Hannah, now Mrs. John Kramer; 
vVilliam, a farmer of this township; and John, 
who is also an agriculturist of this neighborhood. 
Mrs. Margaret Augenstein died May 22, 1879. 
The present wife of our subject, to whom he was 
married April 27, 1880, was formerly Melinda J. 
White. 

Fraternally Mr. Augenstein is identified with 
the Odd Fellows' society, and religiou.sly he is a 
member of the German Reformed Church, being 
one of the Elders in the congregation. He has 
literally been the architect of his own fortunes, 
for he began his business career a stranger in 
a strange land, without capital, and gradually 
worked his way to a position of influence and pros- 
perity. 






(p\ GNEW WEESH is the able editor and pro- 
L_l prietor of the Ada Rnvrd, a newsy and pop- 
/ I ular paper, which enjoys a good circulation 
and is published in the interests of the commu- 
nity, especial attention being paid to local affairs. 
It also reviews intelligently the public issues of 
the day, and its advertising columns, which are 
well filled, show that the business men of Ada 
aj^preciate it as a medium of communication with 
the people. In politics the AVrt;;-(/ is neutral. It 
occupies its own building, a substantial two-story 
brick structure, erected by Mr. Welsh in 1893, 
and a model of neatness and convenience. 

The birth of Agncw Welsh occurred near Bucy- 



230 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



rus, Crawford County, Ohio, April ii, 1856. His 
father, George H. Welsh, a native of Ross Coun- 
ty', Ohio, was born in 1826, and was the son of 
a Virginian, Zachariah Welsh, who served in the 
War of 18 1 2. The latter was one of the early set- 
tlers of Ross County, where he was closely asso- 
ciated with the growth and development of its 
farming resources, and where, for many 3'ears, he 
filled the position of Justice of the Peace. 

In an early day George H. Welsh went to 
Crawford County, where he embarked in general 
agricultural pursuits. So successful was he in 
his enterprises, that he became one of the most 
extensive general farmers and stock-dealers in his 
locality. Though now somewhat advanced in 
years, he still maintains the supervision of his 
homestead near Bucyrus, where he has long made 
his abode. His wife, whose maiden name was 
Margaret Agnew, died when our subject was only 
six days old, and he was given her familj' name. 
He was the only child of that union, but by the 
second marriage of his father he has two half- 
brothers and two half-sisters. Kffie is the wife 
of E. E. Har\-ey, who occupies a portion of the 
old homestead; Algee is married and lives on a 
farm near Wyandot, Ohio; and Lavena and Er- 
nest remain with their parents. 

The early years of the subject of this sketch 
were spent on the home farm. On fini.shing the 
studies of the common .schools, he entered the 
Ohio Normal University, where he continued his 
studies for some j-ears. For one year afterward 
he was employed as clerk in a clothing store, aft- 
er which he bought a book and stationery' store in 
Ada, continuing in that business until 188 1. At 
that time he purchased the Ada Record from E. L. 
Millar, now of the Kenton Daily Ripublican, and 
since he assumed the editorial chair the paper has 
steadily advanced, until it is now one of the lead- 
ing weekly papers of central Ohio. The confi- 
dence in which the editor is held by the people is 
proved by the fact that wliat appears in the Rec- 
ord is accepted as reliable by the great majority 
of the better cla.ss of citizens. 

Socially Mr. WeLsh is a Chapter Ma.son and a 
meml)erofthe Order of Maccabees. In 1880 he 
w.is united in n\arriage with Miss Cora Houfsta- 



ter, of Huron County, Ohio, daughter of Jacob 

Houfstater, a prominent and well-to-do farmer. 
Two sons and three daughters bless their union. 
Earl B., Dana E., Rhea M., Opal M. and Mar- 
garet A. 



^OHN HOGAN was appointed Superintendent 
I of the Poor Farm of Marion County in 1885, 
(2/ and took charge of the Infinnarj- in October 
of that year. He has made a most efficient and 
trustworthy public officer, and posses.ses the con- 
fidence and good-will of all who know him. The 
institution is in a thrifty and well kept condition, 
and at the present time has about sixty iinnates. 
The Poor Farm comprises two hundred and 
thirty acres, which are kept under good cultiva- 
tion, and the products of which cover all the ex- 
penses incurred by the Infirmary. Mr. Hogan 
owns a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in 
Green Camp Townshiji and has the place well 
improved. 

A native of this count}-, our subject was born 
March 24, 1858, and is a .son of David and 
Bridget (Moriarty) Hogan, natives of Ireland, 
where their marriage was celebrated. They emi- 
grated to the United States during the '50s, and 
settled in this county, where they passed their 
remaining years. The father died in 1884, and 
his wife passed away in 1891. They were the 
parents of five children, namelj-: Thomas, who 
died March 19, 1872; Mary, who married Richard 
Mullee, a railroad man of this county; and John, 
Kate and Bridget. 

The early years of John Hogan were passed in 
Marion, where he attended the public schools 
until he reached his eighteenth year. He ob- 
tained a fair business education, and for some 
years was a student at St. Mary's Catholic Semi- 
nary. At the age of twenty years he began the 
battle of life on his own account by working on a 
farm, and was thus employed by the month for 




ALliliRT S. RANNUV 



PORTRAIT AND BKJGRAPIIICAL RECORD 



about three years. He then rented land for five 
years, and engaged in its cultivation until lie was 
ai)pointed to his present position. 

P^'bruar)' 21, 18S2, Mr. Hogan married Cath- 
erine Burke, who was born in Canada. They 
have a little son and daughter: David I., who was 
horn September 28, 1889; and Mary F., whose 
birth occurred October 23, 1894. 

In politics Mr. Hogan always votes the straight 
Democratic ticket. Religiously he is identified 
with the Catholic Church, to which his wife also 
belongs. He is a self-made man, having worked 
his way upward to comparative independence 
through his own iiidu-strious qualities. He pos- 
sesses good business ability, as is fully shown by 
the able maimer in which he conducts the affairs 
of the Infirmary. 



^m(^ 



G| U'.ieRT S. RANNEY, Sheriff of Hardin 
/ I County, is one of the prominent citizens of 
/ I this portion of the state. He is now filling 
his second term in this capacity, which fact proves 
his ability and reveals the esteem in which he is 
held by his fellow-citizens; while the record of 
his life proves better than any words of the biog- 
rapher could do the probity and uprightness 
which have characterized his every action. 

Mr. Ranney was born in Guernsey County, 
tliis .state, June 16, 1845, and is the son of Parks 
Ranne}-, al.so a native of Ohio. He was, how- 
ever, reared to mature years in Parker.sburg, Va., 
whither his parents removed when he was six or 
seven years old. The grandfather of our subject 
bore the name of John Ranney, and was of Irish 
extraction. 

Parks Ranne)' moved to Guernsey County some 
time in the '30s, and in 1868 located in Hardin 
Count\-, where he was living at the time of his 
death, in 1884. His wife was in her maiden- 
hood known as Mary Ann Wilson. Her parents 
were well known in Penn.sylvania, and her fa- 
ther served in the War of 181 2. Her death oc- 



curred just one year prior to the death of her hus- 
band, who died in 1885. Her family included 
seven .sons and daughters, of whom Albert S. was 
the eldest but one. He has a brother, Joseph, liv- 
ing in Bellefontaine, where he is a prominent 
contractor and builder. 

Alberts., of this .sketch, made his advent into 
Hardin County in 1867, first locating in Taylor 
Creek Township, where he engaged in farming. 
This he continued for many years, being at the 
same time one of the leading sheep-raisers in the 
.state. He had never been prevailed upon to ac- 
cept office until 1891, when the Republican party 
brought him forward as their candidate for the 
office of Sheriff. He was elected by a large ma- 
jority, and on the expiration of his term was re- 
elected. The friends who supported him have 
never had -occasion to regret their influence used 
in his favor, for he has proved to be one of the 
best officials that Hardin County ever had. He 
is a Royal Arch Mason, a Knight of Pythias, 
and in the blue lodge has been Master. 

In October, 1878, our subject was united in 
marriage with Miss Elizabeth Stevenson, who 
was born in Hardin County, this state, and who 
is the daughter of Homer P. Stevenson, who for 
many years was Justice of the Peace in his local- 
ity. To them has been born a daughter, Mary, 
who is now four years old. As a Republican, 
Mr. Ranney is recognized as one of the leaders of 
his party in his county and congressional district. 






Gl NDREW J. WALLACE has been engaged 
I 1 in general farming and stock-raising in Tay- 
I I lor Creek Township, Hardin County, for 
more than forty years, and is one of the represen- 
tative men of this locality. He has been a wit- 
ness of the marvelous growth and progress of this 
portion of Ohio, and has assisted in bringing 
about this result. Altogether he has cleared up- 



234 



PORTRAIT AND r.IOGRArHlCAL RECORD. 



wards of one hundred acres of virgin forest, and 
instead of a wilderness now has a well improved 
and valuable home. 

The parents of our subject, William and Polly 
(Campbell) Wallace, were natives of Kentucky. 
They had five other children, namely: Johanna, 
Mrs. George Lease, of this township; William, 
who married Cordelia Ritchie, and lives near Belle 
Center, Ohio; Margaret E., wife of Wilham Ram- 
sey; and Joseph Milton and Hugh, deceased. 
When he was only a boy, William Wallace, Sr., 
came to this state with his grandfather, who lo- 
cated in Fayette County, and there the youth 
grew to manhood and learned the carpenter's 
trade. Afterward he embarked in agricultural 
pursuits, renting land for several years. In 1832 
he settled near Belle Center, Logan Countj% buy- 
ing two hundred acres of second-hand land, about 
twenty acres of which had been cleared. This 
place was his home the rest of his days. He 
passed away, after a good and useful life, in 1879, 
but his wife lived till 1885. In politics he was 
first a Whig and later a Republican. At various 
times he acted as Trustee and School Director, 
and at all times endeavored to promote the best 
interests of his fellows. 

A. J. Wallace was born February 5, 1827, and 
was reared on a farm. He gave such help to his 
parents as was in his power to give up to the time 
he left the .shelter of the old rooftree. When he 
was twenty-eight years old he began farming on 
his own account in this township, where he had 
purchased .sixty-two and a-half acres in 1853, and 
a like amount two years subsequently. The only 
improvements thereon were a log cabin and a 
small barn. Setting to work with a will, the 
young farmer commenced hewing down the trees, 
and soon had a chance to raise good crops. Ox- 
teams were used for hauling away the logs and 
for the heaviest work on the farm. He makes a 
business of raising high-grade cattle and Berk- 
shire hogs. 

October 18, 1855, Mr. Wallace and Caroline 
Laughlin were married in Logan County. The 
lady is a daughter of Hugh and Maria (Clark) 
Laughlin, natives of Pennsylvania, and was born 
in Granger County, on the 7th ofFebruarj-, 1833. 



B3' her marriage she became the mother of sev- 
en children, of whom the following are living: 
Cornelia, Mrs. Charles Porter, whose home is 
on a farm in this township, and who has three 
children; Arie Edna, wife of E. E. Obnour, a farm- 
er ofMcDonald Township; William, who married 
Mar\- Hannah, and is a farmer of this township; 
Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Ewing, a farmer of Lo- 
gan County, this .state; and Almenia, Mrs. Thomas 
Mansfield, also of Logan County. 

In his boyhood Mr. Wallace had limited ed- 
ucational advantages, having to walk through 
the woods over a mile to the nearest school, 
which was held in a poor log cabin of the most 
primitive description. In his political belief he 
is a firm Republican. He helped lay out the 
roads through the trackless forests in his early 
manhood, and al.so to construct the bridges over 
the streams. 



(TOHN YOUNG. Hardin County has among 
I her citizens men of more than average ability 
(2/ and intelligence, who have done and are do- 
ing a great work for its advancement. Promi- 
nent among the.se is the gentleman who.se name 
appears at the head oftliis biography. He is a 
most sagacious and enterprising farmer and stock- 
raiser in the county, and during the late war 
rendered his country valuable service as a Union 
soldier. He now makes his home on section 15, 
Blanchard Township, where his farming interests 
are centered. 

Our subject was born in Holmes County, this 
state, October 31, 1823, and is the son of John 
Young, Sr., who was boni on the ocean, while his 
parents were en route to this country from their 
native land, Ireland. The mother of our subject 
was a Miss Margaret Humni, a native of Penn- 
sylvania. The subject of this sketch was a lad 
of fifteen j-ears at tlie time of his fatlier's death, 
and that year came to Hardin County, which was 
the home of his brother-in-law, John Derringer. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



The section in which he lived at that time, how- 
ever, was what is now inchided in Wj-andot 
Connty, and willi this gentleman our subject 
made his home, working on his farm until the 
land was surveyed for the building of the Madi- 
son River Railroad through the county. He then 
engaged to lay track for the company, receiving 
as wages forty cents per da)' and his board. As 
his services became more valuable his wages were 
increased, and Mr. Young continued to work for 
the contractors for three years. 

About this time our subject began operating a 
sawmill at Patterson, but in 1857 abandoned this 
line of business and settled on the place where he 
is now living. At that time the country- round 
about was mostl}- timber-land, and there were but 
three houses between Dunkirk and Patterson. 
He .secured eighty acres, for which he paid $700, 
and since the fall of that year has made this estate 
his home. He has always been engaged in 
mixed farming, and fully merits the praise which 
is awarded him as a jirosperous tiller of the .soil. 

In 1S90 Mr. Young was brought prominentl)' 
liefore the pul>lic as candidate for the office of 
County Conunissioner, and, being duly elected, 
took his seat January i, 1S91. His a.ssociates 
were Andrew Dodge, J. L. Clark, John Bailey 
and R. S. I^atham, of whom the last-named gen- 
tleman was his successor. While the incumbent 
of that position, Mr. Young was in.strumental in 
having the old debt of the township cleared, the 
pikes finished, and numerous other improvements 
made, which showed him to be a man of ability 
and business tact. He has been a life-long Dem- 
ocrat and has represented his party at various 
times in county and state conventions. 

Mr. Young was married, in 1852, to Miss Eliza- 
beth McCance, of Wayne County. vShe died on 
the home farm in August, 1857, having only 
lieen permitted to live on the place a few months. 
In the year i860 our subject was again married, 
this time to Mary J. Pearson, of Clarke County, 
this state. Of their eight children we make the 
following mention: Hattie was formerly the wife 
of the Rev. Mathias Howey, a minister of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church; she died December 
19, 1882. Eawrence died September i, 1888, 



when twenty-four years of age. Dixon is en- 
gaged in farming in Miami County, Kan. John 
Forest is working at the carpenter's trade in this 
county; and Miiuiie, Maggie, Gwinnel and Reva 
are at home. 

In 1864 Mr. Young enlisted in the Union arni\- 
and was mustered into Company K, One Hun- 
dred and Seventy-eighth Ohio Infantry. His 
regiment was sent to Tennessee, where it was in 
active service under General Schofield. It par- 
ticipated in the battle of Nashville, and later fol- 
lowed Hood to Leesport. In April, 1865, the 
command was ordered to North Carolina, where 
it joined the division under vSherman, and some 
time later went in pursuit of Johnston. The 
"liDvs in blue" were discharged at Columbus, 
Julv I, 1865, after which the members of the One 
Hundred and Seventy-eighth returned to their 
respective homes. A part of the time while in 
the army Mr. Young was a patient in the hospi- 
tal at Louisville, Ky. His good wife is a devoted 
member i;)f the Methodist Church, and although 
liberal in his contributions to church work, Mr. 
Young is not identified with any particular de- 
nomination. 



r\HILIP WELST, now living on .section 18, 
U' Montgomery Township, Marion Connty, is 
[^ one of the .successful agriculturists of this 
county. Many of the best farmers of this part 
of Ohio are natives of the Fatherland, and such 
is the case with Mr. Weist. He was born in 
Baden, Germany, December 25, 1831, and is the 
son of Christopher and Magdalene (Schrote) 
Weist. The parents came to America in 1.S39, 
being sixty-two days on the Atlantic. Although 
they were not really decided as to their desti- 
nation, they embarked on a boat in New York, 
and after journeying along slowly for about three 
weeks they finally landed in Marion County. In 
Richland Township the father made a purchase 
of forty acres, which was all he could afford at 



236 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



that time. The man who owned this place de- 
sired to make a change, and disposed of that 
amount of land, together with all his household 
effects, for $650. 

Christopher Weist sold his forty -acre tract 
some years later to his eldest son and moved to 
Wyandot County, where he was living at the 
time of his decease, some time in 1871. His wife 
sur\-ived until i8<S5, when she, too, passed away. 
Their family numbered ten children. Of these, 
Chri.stina married Frederick Dutt and is now de- 
ceased; Christopher is farming in Wyandot Coun- 
ty'; Samuel is deceased: Philip was the next-born; 
Barbara married William Itchner, and died in 
December, 1893, in Cleveland; John has been 
engaged in farming in Wayne Count}', Iowa, for 
the past fifteen years; Caroline married Albert 
Dryer, of this count}% who is now deceased; 
Christian is a farmer near Ashley, this state; and 
two died in infancy. 

Our subject began working out for $10 per 
month, every week saving a little of his earnings, 
which he placed out at interest. Tlie first $5 
lent he has never recovered, and the interest on 
that small sum now amounts to manj' dollars. 
He lived with his parents until nineteen years 
old, and even after that assisted them during the 
har\'est season, when it was diiScult to obtain la- 
borers. 

Philip Weist was married, December 3, 1858, to 
Miss Mary Wilt, the daughter of Jacob Wilt, of 
Richland Township. Her mother before her mar- 
riage was Sally M. Stroop, a native of Alsace, 
Germany, which at the time of her birth was un- 
der French rule. Jacob Wilt was likewise a na- 
tive of the Fatherland. The Wilt family num- 
liered seven children. Sarah married Jacob Ar- 
nold and is now decea.sed, as are also Jacob, Jr., 
and Margaret, Mrs. Jacob Wick; Catherine mar- 
ried Jacob Augenstine and lives near Brownstown , 
Fayette Coinity, 111.; John is decea.sed; George 
is a farmer of Richland Township; and Mary is 
the wife of our suliject. She was born August 6, 
1836, in Richland Township, where her educa- 
tion was al.so procured. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Weist there have been born 
eight children. Of these, the elde.st, Sarah, was 



born November 3, 1859; .she is now the wife of 
Norton S. Virden, of Hardin County. John J. 
was born May 14, 1862, and is now living on sec- 
tion 18, this township; he was married, June 7, 
1891, to Mary A. Heimmich. Catherine C. was 
born February 9, 1865, and is now the wife of 
William Hallydaj', of Larue. William P., who 
was born April 27, 1867, is at home. Anna M., 
born May 27, 1S69, is the wife of John Seitz, of 
Huntington, Ind., wliere he has a position as 
engineer on the railroad. Laura was born Oc- 
tober 16, 1871, and is living in Larue; and Lydia 
S., born August 31, 1873, and Samuel F., whose 
birth occurred May i, 1876, are at home. 

Our subject is the ]>o.sse.ssor of one of the finest 
tracts of land in Marion County. It is five hun- 
dred and thirty -.six acres in extent, and its present 
improved condition is the result of much ardu- 
ous work on his part. For this land Mr. Weist 
paid S50 per acre, and has accumulated it all by 
his own energy and enterprise. 

In politics Mr. Weist is a Democrat, and with 
his wife holds membership with the Lutheran 
Church. He is a man of influence in his com- 
munity, and enjoys the confidence and highest 
regard of all who know him. 



^^K^ 



in.LIAM HALL, formerly one of the old 
[ icsidents of Blanchard Town.ship, Hardin 
County, is now decea.sed. He was the 
possessor of a fine farm, supplied with all the ma- 
chinery needed in carrying on the estate, and 
which he managed in a most profitable manner. 
He was born in Ivngland in i8ii, and in 1S48 
made the journey to the United States. Although 
having had verj- few educational advantages, he 
was a splendid business man, and for a number 
of years prior to leaving his native land held the 
responsible position of .steward of an extensive 
estate. 

On landing in this country, Mr. Hall made his 
way to Medina County, this state, and, together 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



237 



with his brother John, worked out by the day at 
whatever he could find to do. For some time he 
was not enabled to lay by any of his earnings, as 
the wages which he received were vei"}' small and 
were used in supporting his little family. 

Later our subject came to Hardin County, and 
in 1854 made a purchase of eighty acres of land, 
located on section 22, Blanchard Township. On 
this he was enabled to make but a small pay- 
ment, as the place was in need of many repairs. 
The family managed to live in the old and dilapi- 
dated house for some time, but it became neces- 
sary to build a barn innnediately, as there was no 
such structure on the farm. Mr. Hall met with 
reverses at first, losing several head of stock, 
from the sale of which he expected to make 
another payment on his place. In order to get 
along at all he was obliged to work out for a time 
until he could clear his farm and place it under 
cultivation. From the timber which he cut from 
it he realized nothing, as that commoditj' was 
very plentiful in pioneer days. His family were 
sick a great deal in their new liome, which, al- 
though it had its effect upon him, did not dis- 
courage him, and b}' industrious efforts he soon 
placed himself on the road to prosperity. To the 
laud which he first purchased he afterward added 
a quarter-.section, and at the time of his decea.se 
was the owner of two hundred and forty acres of 
some of the finest land in the county. He had 
many friends in his comnmnit}-, and led a happy 
life, surrounded by a loving family and all the 
comforts which money could secure. His death 
occurred November 2, 1892, when in his eighty- 
second year. Although advanced in years,, lie 
had full charge of the farm up_ to the time of his 
decease, and through his management realized a 
hand.some income. His wife passed away March 
20, 1880, at the age of sixty-three years. They 
had been married in their native land, the wife 
and mother being known in her maidenhood as 
Miss Elizabeth Carter. To them were born twelve 
children, three of whom were born while living 
in England. Of these, five are now living. They 
are, Emma, the wife of Calvin Reed, a farmer of 
Blanchard Township; George, who makes his 
home in Gray.son County, Tex.; Sallie, now Mrs. 



William Moshcr, also living in this township; 
Thomas, living on the home farm; and lidward, 
engaged in farming in Blanchard Township. 

Our subject was a stanch Republican in politics. 
In religious affairs he was prominently coiuiected 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and aided 
very materially in the building of Harris Chapel, 
near his home. He proved to be a capable farmer, 
and was a man of solid virtues, .sensilile and 
thoughtful in his views, and a true Christian. 
Prior to his decease he erected a fine brick resi- 
dence on his estate, which is t)f modern design 
and furnished in a fittitig manner. 

Thomas Hall, who manages the home farm, 
was born in Medina County, Ohio, October 27, 
1S52. He married, March 20, 1876, Miss Eliza- 
beth McMaster, of Jackson Township, and the 
daughter of Robert and Mary Ami (Inarming) 
McMaster. She was born in Jackson, and three 
and one-half years prior to the death of Mrs. Hall 
lived on the home farm with the mother of her 
husband. One year afterward was spent in Sedg- 
wick County, Kan. In 1SS4, however, this son 
entered into partnershi[) with his father in run- 
ning the homestead, and on the death of the lat- 
ter was deeded the quarter-section which our sub- 
ject first purchased. He has a family of two sons, 
Jesse, n lad of twelve years, and Russell, aged 
five. Like his father before him, he is a Repub- 
lican in ])olitics, an4 an influential member of the 
Methodist I{pisco])aI Church. 



vgL^ ®t(il)4 ,(g)j 



30SEPH MITCHELL owned and operated a 
valuable homestead on section 29, Scott 
Town.ship, Marion County, for a quarter of 
a century, and was recognized as one of the most 
enterprising farmers of the locality. At the time 
of his demise he owned two hundred and sixty 
acres of land, well eqnipjied with good liuildings. 



238 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



fences, orchards, etc. This represented years of 
industrious effort and perseverance, for he com- 
menced his active life entirely unprovided with 
capital, save a pair of willing hands and a strong 
heart. He was a friend to education and to 
everything which tended to elevate his fellow- 
men. 

The birth of Joseph Mitchell occurred August 
3, 1830 in Columbiana County, Ohio. In a fam- 
ily of four children, two sons and two daughters, 
born to John and Isabella (Johnson) Mitchell, he 
was the youngest. His boyhood was passed in 
the usual manner of farmer lads, his father giv- 
ing him thorough instruction in all kinds of agri- 
cultural duties. When he was about ten years 
of age he emigrated to Crawford County with his 
parents, settling within a mile of Richville, where 
he grew to man's estate. 

When he was in his twentieth year, Joseph 
Mitchell hired out to a farmer by the month, and 
was thus employed for the two succeeding j'ears. 
Desiring to try his own hand at farming, he rent- 
ed a tract of land for three years, after which he 
purchased a farm in this township, and cultivated 
the place until 1865. That year he became the 
owner of two hundred acres on .sections 29 and 
30, and, removing thither, pas.sed his remaining 
years in stock-raising and in growing general 
crops on his homestead. His education, though 
not of the be.st, was sufficient for all practical pur- 
poses, and he possessed a large and ready fund of 
information, which made his advice valuable to 
his neighbijrs. 

November 25, 1852, Mr. Mitchell wedded Jane, 
daughter of John and Margaret (Hill) Larkins, 
who had a family numbering four sons and four 
daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell became the 
parents of the following children: John, a fanner 
of this township; Lizzie, wife of Norman Brooks, 
al.so of this town.ship; Samuel, who died in in- 
fancy; Maggie, Mrs. Leron Coons, of Duluth, 
Minn.; Kate, who married David Johnson, and 
died March 23, 1890; Ida, who is the wife of 
Thomas !•'. Johnson, a liveryman of Marion; Ma- 
rion and Sanuiel, who died in infancy; and Benja- 
min I''., who remains on the old homestead, which 
he manages with exceptional ability. Jainiary 9, 



1895, the latti r WIS united in marriage with Dora 
Mae Gardener, whe.se parents are residents of 
Marion . 

Politically Joseph Mitchell was a Democrat, 
and in his religious belief he was a member of the 
Disciples Church. He was called to his final rest 
April 4, 1890, and was buried in Letimberville 
Cemetery. 



^)^#G= 



rSJAMin^L WEIR, a successful farmer and 
7\ .stock-rai.ser of Marion County, has been the 
\yj owner of his present homestead on section 
22, Scott Township, since 1866. He is pre-emi- 
nentlj' a self-made man, for he began in business 
empty-handed and has gradually acquired the for- 
tune vi'hich he now possesses. He owns alto- 
gether two hundred and twenty-five acres, all 
fertile land and well adapted for general farming 
purposes. 

The parents of our subject were Samuel and 
Marj' (Scott) Weir, natives of Ireland. He was 
also born in the Emerald Isle, the year 1828 wit- 
nessing his birth. He was reared on a farm, and 
early became familiar by actual experience with 
every department of work pertaining thereto. 
Believing that the United States offered better fa- 
cilities to a j-oung man desirous of winning his 
own way, he took passage on a sailing-vessel 
which landed him in Philadelphia in the spring 
of 1846. For the next three years young Weir 
worked on a farm in Pennsylvania. 

It was in 1849 that Samuel Weir first located in 
Marion County, Ohio. He obtained emplojment 
with a farmer, for whom he worked a year, after 
which he resided in Caledonia for four or five 
years. Three years succeeding this he again 
worked for farmers by the month, and at the end 
of this time found that he had saved enough from 
his earnings to become proprietor of a farm of his 
own. However, he rented land for a time, and 
it was not until 1866 that he bought the farm 
which he now cultivates. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



239 



June 13, 1 86 1, Samuel Weir married Miss 
Mary Mason, daughter of Joseph and Sarah 
(Towers) Mason, the former a retired farmer of 
Scott Township. The only son of our subject 
and his wife, William J., lives on the old home- 
stead and is ofgreat assistance to his father in its 
management. He was married, July 17, 1884, to 
Louisa Wirth. Their two eldest children, Charlie 
and Marion E., are deceased, and the younger 
ones are Laura E., Mary E. and Ethel G. Mrs. 
Marj' Weir was summfcmed by the Death Angel 
September 8, 1887, and was placed to rest in the 
Caledonia Cemetery. 

Mr. Weir uses his right of francliise in favor 
of the Democratic party, which has received his 
support since he became a voter. In all his deal- 
ings with his neighbors and fellow-citizens he is 
strictly honorable and just, and thus has won 
their esteem and respect. 



■SiS-gtS-SiS-^^-K^-StS'^ 



/r^^cTTjssr-::.,;^-^,;,^ 






^OHN RICE is one of the well-to-do farmers 
I and citizens of Scott Township, Marion Coun- 
(2/ ty, and is the owner of a fertile and well 
cultivated homestead on .section 36. He has lived 
on this farm for the past quarter of a century, and 
has made manj- improvements on the place which 
have added greatly to its value and desirability. 
Mr. Rice has passed his entire life in this vicin- 
ity, where he is well and favorably known. His 
birth occurred on a farm within two miles of his 
present home, April 28, 1822, but acro.ss the line 
in Morrow Countv, and about a mile and a-half 
east of Caledonia. He is one of the thirteen chil- 
dren, eight sons and five daughters, born to Jacob 
and Lydia (Wickiger) Rice, who were natives of 
Pennsylvania, and who were early settlers of Mor- 
row County. 

The boyhood of John Rice pas.sed without event 
of unusual moment, his time being given to as- 
sisting his father in the farm work and to obtain- 
ing such education as the district schools offered. 
On reaching his majority lie began working at 



various occupations, running a sawmill for his fa- 
ther for four years. When he had laid aside a 
sufficient sum of money from his earnings, he in- 
vested it in ninety acres of improved land. This 
farm he contiiuied to cultivate for about fifteen 
years, when he sold out and moved t(j the place 
where he has since made his home. This was in 
1869, and during the inter\-ening years he has 
brought his farm under good cultivation and 
made it one of the best in the township. Alto- 
gether he owns two hundred and sixty acres, one 
hundred and fourteen acres of which are in his 
home farm. 

In 1857 occurred the marriage of John Rice 
and Sarah Beiniett. Six children graced their 
union, namely: Simeon, now Sheriff of Marion 
County; Lydia Eleanor and George, who died 
in infancy; Ella, the wife of William Wier, a 
farmer of Morrow County; Ida, the wife of Noah 
Garver, a farmer of Marion County; and Cora, 
the wife of James Noblet, a farmer residing on the 
home place. 

For nearly half a centurj' our subject has been 
a member of the Masonic order, and for years has 
held membership with the Odd Fellows' lodge. 
He well remembers when Caledonia was not yet 
in existence and when Marion contained only a 
few houses. Beginning in life a poor boy, he is 
worthy of all credit for the success which he has 
accomplished and for the open-hearted manner in 
whicli he has always supported all public enter- 
prises. He i« mainly self-educated, as the schools 
of his boyhood were poorly conducted and fur- 
nished few advantages. In his political faith he 
has been a life long Democrat. 



(Joseph SLOAN was one of the pioneers of 
I McDonald Township, Hardin County, to 
(2) which he came in 1828. He helped to build 
the first schoolhouses, lay out the roads, and 
place the district on a sure foundation for future 
pro.sperity. At the time of his death, which oc- 



240 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



curred November 4, 1877, he owned one hundred 
and ninety-seven acres, all of which he cleared 
and improved, with the exception of about twen- 
tj'-five acres. 

Born November 4, 1S04, Joseph Sloan was a 
son of John and Sarah (McClellan) Sloan, all na- 
tives of County Monaghan, Ireland. They emi- 
grated to America at an early daj-, locating in 
Taylor Creek Township, Hardin County. When 
he was twenty -one years old joung Sloan started 
out in life for himself by working in a woolen 
factory near Philadelphia. At the end of three 
years he went to Beaver County, Pa., and stayed 
with a brother a short time. He then bought 
one hundred and twenty-three acres in this town- 
ship. There were no improvements on the tract, 
and he was obliged to put up a log cabin. There- 
in he kept "bachelor's hall " for several years 
while he cleared his land. At length he and his 
brother took a contract to build a certain num- 
ber of miles of the Indianapolis, Bloomington & 
Western Railroad, and this work consumed some 
time. He later resumed farming, in which he 
was earnestly and indu.striously engaged during 
the remainder of his life. In the early days of 
his pioneer life he was obliged to go to West Lib- 
erty, a distance of twentj'-five miles, to get his 
wheat and corn ground. Wild game could be 
had in abundance in those days. 

Jo.seph Sloan was married in this township, 
September 6, 1842, to Martha Roberts, who was 
born August 16, 1822. .She is a daughter of 
William and Anna (Gault) Roberts, who lived 
and died in Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Sloan had a 
large family of children, of whom we note the fol- 
lowing: David L., born September 6, 1843, mar- 
ried Mary J. Liles, and resides in this town.ship; 
William T. died at the age of five years; Sarah, 
the wife of Charles Philbrick, has four children; 
John Wilson, born March 29, 1852, married, 
March 11, 1887, Nannie C. Lowry, who was 
born March 7, 1872, and who is a daughter of 
John Lowry; Maggie J., Mrs. Doran Porter, of 
Kenton, has three children; James Stewart, of 
Taylor Creek Township, married Agnes Collins, 
and has three children; Mary Frances, Mrs. Par- 
ker Lee, lives in Silver Creek Township, and is 



the mother of one child; Lydia H. married 
Orange Waldemuth, and makes her home in Find- 
laj', Ohio; Finley R. , unmarried, lives at home, 
as does also Joseph G. ; and Henry died in in- 
fanc}'. John W., a farmer of this township, has 
five children, viz.: Grace Edna, Charles Vernon, 
Clarence Wilson, Anna Martha and Clara Heller. 
In religious faith Mr. Sloan was a United Pres- 
byterian, as was his father before him. His 
grandfather was an Elder in that church, and 
verj' active in the advancement of the Master's 
cause. Our subject helped to build the house of 
worship in this district, and gave of his means to 
its support. Politically Mr. Sloan was an un- 
swerving Republican, and took connnendable in- 
tere.st in the affairs of the times. He was alwaj'S 
ready to work for a righteous cause, and pos- 
sessed that true manliness of thought and deed 
that won for him the friendship of all those who 
had the sjood fortune to come in contact with him. 



OC^^^n•^••^^i•^^^^•^••^••^•^•jaf^i•^^•^•^^^i•^^•^•^^^^^••^•^^•^^X» 



^ACCHEUSW. HIPSHER, a leading farmer 
I, of Scott Township, Marion Countj-, has been 
/t) a life-long resident of this immediate local- 
ity. He was born and reared upon the farm 
which he now owns, the land having been taken 
up from the Government by his grandfather. For 
eighteen successive years he has held the office of 
Township Tru.stee, and for a period of six years 
he has been one of the Directors of the County 
Infirmary. 

A son of Adam and Samantha (Gleason) Hip- 
slier, our subject was born March lo, 1839. His 
parents were married in this count}-, September 
28, 1828, and their family numbered nine chil- 
dren, namely: Matilda, who became the wife of 
James L. Bell, and died in 1874; Lawrence V., a 
farmer of this township; Minerva, widow of James 
Osborn and now living in Missouri; Louisa, wife 
of Samuel Gochenour, of Gallon, Ohio; Mary, 
Mrs. Spencer Bails, of Caledonia; Z. W.; Francis 
M., who died in 1874; Harriet, Mrs. Lewis Os- 
born; and Hulda, who died in 1878. 




.!■: !■. i,.\M(iK 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



243 



May 18, 1873, our subject married Miss Fannie 
Mason, and their onlj' child, John L., who was 
born February 17, 1874, is still living on the old 
homestead. In his youth our subject obtained a 
district-school education, which he has increased 
by subsequent study and experience in the world of 
business. He continued to reside under his par- 
ents' roof-tree until twenty -four years of age, his 
time being given to managing the farm. He is a 
practical agriculturist and understands every de- 
tail of farm work. He now owns one hundred 
and twent\- acres of the old Hipsher Farm and an 
additional tract containing twenty-five acres. 
Socially he is identified with the Odd Fellows' 
fraternity. His life has been an active and in- 
dustrious one, and his years of toil have brought 
him prosperity and success, which he now enjoys. 
He is justly esteemed for his many worthy qual- 
ities and his uniform kindness and generosity of 
nature. 



Ijg)^ gHm^__ ,(a) j 

' 1 ' ' I ' * t ' * I ' ' S '*S**£**i* ^*^^ ■$**$**$**$"}* 



REV. GEORGE H. CAvSTOR, a prominent 
local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, resides on .section 24, Pleasant 
Township, Hardin County, where he has made 
his home since April, 1878. He was born on 
section 14 of the same township, March 27, 1839, 
being the .son of Paul and Eleanor (Hinelein) 
Ca.stor. He traces his ancestry to one Arnold 
Castor (whose names was spelled Custer) , a na- 
tive of the Old Dominion, but a resident of Beaver 
County, Pa., at the time of the Revolutionary 
War, in which he probably served. The family 
is of Irish descent, the first representative in this 
country coming hither several generations prior 
to Arnold. 

John, the son of Arnold Castor, was born prior 
to the organization of the Government. The 
times were still turlnilcnt, and he was frequently 



hid in a cave by his mother, in order to avoid 
capture by the Indians, who were very hostile, 
and many of whom remained in Beaver County. 
Arriving at manhood, John married Miss Moore, 
who bore him three children, Paul, Margaret and 
Elizabeth. Afterward he was twice married, be- 
coming the father of several other children. At 
the close of the War of 18 12 he came to Ohio, 
and here, as in Penns\ivania, served as a member 
of the militia. For a number of years he lived 
in Wayne (now Holmes) County, after which he 
moved to Richland Countv, and later came to 
Hardin County, settling on the southeast quar- 
ter of .section 23, Plea.sant Township, March 4, 
1834. For a numlx-r of months he lived in an 
Indian hut, Iniilt of elm bark, but .soon con- 
structed a log cabin, which made a more comfort- 
able abode. He moved here in a wagon, drawn 
by a team of oxen, and a portion of the distance 
he was obliged to cut a road through the forest. 
The families of Gordon and Furney were then 
the only residents of Kenton, which was not in- 
corporated until eight years later. 

At various times John Castor entered land, to 
the amount of five hundred and sixty acres, a 
portion of which belongs to his descendants. 
His cabin was near the old Indian trail between 
Upper Sandusky and Ft. McArthur. Indians 
were numerous, and the Wyandots had a reserva- 
tion near Upper Sandusky. The land was pract- 
ically in the primeval condition of nature, and 
John Castor, and his son Paul cleared many 
acres; our subject himself has cleared three farms. 
Grandfather Castor was a great' hunter of bees 
as well as of game, and on one occasion he found 
a tree in which the bees had hived. Thinking 
he would take them to his home and hive them 
there, he cut down the tree and started home, but 
on the way found a bear had been stealing honey. 
He set a trap at each end, but Bruin was too 
shrewd for him, for he rolled the log away and 
helped himself. Mr. Ca.stor then set his rifle 
with a trigger and .soon captured the bear. In 
killing game our subject's father was probably 
more successful than his grandfather, but the lat- 
ter was more successful in finding bees. Honey 
and niai)le sugar were used for sweetening arti- 



244 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



cles of food, sugar, such as we now use, being 
theu unknown. 

The nearest mill was at Cherokee, forty or for- 
ty-five miles distant, and the produce was sold at 
Sandusky on the lake. Sunday was distinguished 
from week days by having wheat bread baked in 
one piece, while on other days it was made from 
grated corn. \'enison was the meat in most com- 
mon use. Wild fruits, including berries, plums, 
etc., were abundant. Later apple and peach 
orchards were planted, and fruit became verj' 
plentiful. Schoolhouses were constructed of logs. 
In order to admit the light, one log was left out, 
and the space was covered with greased paper. 
A fireplace extended across one side of the build- 
ing. 

The maternal grandfather of our subject, Read- 
ing Hinelein, was married in Mnskigum County, 
near Zanesville, and moved to Kenton about 
1835. H^ ^^'^s ^^"s of the first Ruling Elders of 
the Presbyterian Church at that place. About 
1850 he moved to Grant County, Ind., where he 
died and was buried. His family numbered eight 
children, of whom Eleanor was the fourth. She 
still sur\-ives, and now makes her home with her 
daughter, Mrs. Mary E. Holmes, near Patterson, 
Ohio. Two brothers, Reading and William, are 
also living, being residents, respectively, of Lo- 
gan, Hocking County, Ohio, and Valparaiso, 
Ind. 

The parental family consisted of ten children. 
John Wilson, the eldest, resides seven miles west 
of Lincoln, Neb. George B. is the second in or- 
der of birth. Reading died in 1842. Jacob, a 
soldier in the Union anny during the late war, 
was twice wounded, first at Stone River and later 
in the march to the sea; he died of brain fever at 
Rock Island, 111., where he was a veteran guard 
for prisoners of war. Nancy Jane, Elizabeth and 
Pauline came next. Jane died young. Mary Ellen 
is the wife of H. L. Holmes, a veteran of the Civil 
War, and a farmer near Patterson, this county. 
William Paul is superiiUendent of the Govern- 
ment printing establishment at Pittsfield, Mass., 
where bank notes, jiaper money, etc., are made 
for the Government; he held office under Cleve- 
land's first administration, and was again ap- 



pointed to the position in July, 1893. Alice, the 
youngest, died at the age of seventeen, February 
7. 1S72. 

The subject of this sketch grew to manhood 
w-ithin a mile of his present home, and is a grad- 
uate of the log schoolhouse of the pioneer days. 
For a time he was a pupil in the Kenton schools. 
At the age of nineteen his studies were completed, 
and the following year he began to teach .school, 
following that occupation for sixteen consecutive 
winters. Meantime his summers were devoted 
to agriculture. His marriage occurred in 1863, 
and for six years afterward he cultivated his 
grandfather's homestead. He then bought a 
farm on section 15, adjoining Kenton, and carried 
on agricultural pursuits there until the spring of 
1877, when he moved into the city. In April, 
1S78, he moved to the place where he has since 
resided. He has traveled extensively, and has 
been in about half the states of the Union, as 
well as the provinces of Canada. 

For a hundred years or more the Castor family 
has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and our subject holds membership with 
the congiegation at Grant. He has rendered efli- 
cient sen-ice as a local preacher in the church. 
From childhood he has been a .student of the 
Bible, and about the time of his marriage he be- 
gan studying for the ministry. In 1862 he was 
licensed as an exhorter, and in 1S75 he was or- 
dained to the ministrj- in Delaware County, by 
Bishop William L. Harris. At various times he 
has filled charges in Wyandot County, and for a 
short time he was stationed at Larue, Marion 
County, but the larger part of his work has been 
of a local nature. 

May 21, 1863, at HilLslxiro, Highland County, 
Ohio, Mr. Castor married Miss Marj- C. Holmes, 
who was born in Highland County, May 20, 
1845. She was the youngest of five children 
comprising the family of Jacob M. and Elizabeth 
(Wright) Holmes, who were married in High- 
land County. vShe was reared in the home of 
her grandparents, Enos H. and Mary (Wilken) 
Holmes, the former of whom was a well known 
pioneer Melhodi.st preacher. No resident of his 
county was better known to the people than was 



PORTRAIT AND lilOCIJAI'IIU'AL UKCORD. 



245 



he, and lie iiiii;ht often lie seen ridinj; lioiscbaek, 
with liis liihle in his saddle ba^s, thns jonrneyiun 
to meet his ai)liointnR'nts anioni; the pionetTS, 
His Son, jaeoh M., was also a preaeher, and for 
some lime I'llii'd llie position of Presidinj; I'lhler 
for tliis district, hnt hilei mo\ed to IniUanoL'l, 
Iowa, when.- he dieih A halfd)rother of Mrs. 
Ca.stor is a Methoilisl minister at Indianola. Her 
eldest brother. Dr. William Holmes, ser\-ed in 
the Union arm\ , first as l\ej;imental ,Suri;i'on and 
later as Medical Director of the troops of the 
state of Ohio. Dnrin- the battle of ( Klt> sbnr}; 
he was in the saddle- tln\-e daxs and ni;.;hls, :ind 
contracted a cold in that in.i;a.L;emenl from 11k- 
effects of whi(.'h ludied. .Another bidtlier, l'',nos, 
was a Captain in tlu' rnion arm\-, and died in 
MarySN'ille, Kv., his de.ith beinj; the resnll ofex- 
posnre. A sister (bed in Calilornia. whillur slie 
had gone hoping; to ve.i;ain her liealth. .\ broth- 
er, John A., is snperintencknt of a large null at 
Salina, Kan. 

H\- his union with Miss Holnus our subject had 
six children. The eldest, Wilbur HoIuk'S, was 
born february 12, i.S(i.|, .and died March Ji, 
1883. I<a\enia maiiied b'rauk liorl.and, :i car- 
penter of Kenton. Myrtie, who is engaged in 
teaching near Gene.seo, 111., was a professor in 
the normal school in that ]ilace before it was 
btirned. Tullns ka\niond married Jennie b'ish- 
er, and Ii\'es on a farm near (iranl, b'.lsie, an 
accomplished N'oung lady, is a graduate- of the 
Delaware (Ohio) College. I.eslie I'aul is an in- 
telligent young man, now in his twentieth year, 
and is assisting his father in the management of 
the farm. 

In politics Mr. Castor was formerly a Demo 
cral, but is now a Populist, and w.as one of the 
original mendiers of that ]);nty. He w.as a dele- 
gate to the Cohunbus convention, wheie it was 
decided to organi/e a new part\-. In the tall of 
1863 he enli.sted in the Union army and served 
for three months, being discharged on account of 
disability. He was a member of Company I, I'or- 
ly-fifth Ohio Infantry. Well informed upon all 
topics of general interest, he is especially well 
posted concerning the history of Ohio and the 
earlv vears of the C>o\ernment. 



August ij, iS.S.|, Mr. Castor married Mi.ss Joe 
C<iok, who was born near Kenton Septend)er 13, 
185J. Her father, Is.a.ac Cook, was :\ native of 
New Jers(.\', and died in Kenton, December 28, 
i.Sjj. He m.uried Sarah Ice, who was reared 
near Keuton, and died when Mrs. Castor wasonlv 
three months old. Mrs. Castor is a jileasaut, 
kiiKlhearled la<l>-, a devoted member of the Meth 
odist I'!pisc(ipal Church, and one who has the es- 
teem ol her large circle ol aiipiaintances. 



3b;HU R. WIM,S()N. I'.lanchard Townsliii), 
Hardin County, is the home of ,a gucidh 
nundn-r ol men who lia\i' |iut lorth such in 
dustrious and will ilirected cflorts that they have 
accunnd.iled a handsome propeit>' anil aie ena- 
bled to take life easw Among this unnd)er is 
the abo\ (-■-n.imed geutlem.an, wlm makes his 
home on a s]ilendid farm located on section. |. 
His laud is \'eiy lertile, .and on it he has erected 
e\'ery building Uecessar>- in carrying on the work 
of the estate, .all being substantial .and well ar- 
ranged. 

Mr. Willson is ,1 nati\'e of this state, and was 
born Jul\- n;, 183.S, in .Sycamore Township, 
W\.au(lot Count). His parents were Ivlishn and 
lluhlali D. (Shotwell) Wills.ai, both of whom 
Were natives of New Jersi.-)', and it is thought 
the> weie married in the state of New York. 
They settled in ( )hi(i .about 183.4, in Wyandot 
Counts', the join uey hitlu-r be'ing made in a wagon 
drawn bv a si)an nf horses, a distance of one 
thousand nules. TIk-v trawK'd until reaching 
wdiat was then known .as the' "i!ig Wood," 
where they were conipelk-d to live in a camp un- 
til a cabin could be erected. Mr. Willson arri\'ed 
here with $300 in mone>', with which he ]>ur- 
chased eighty acres of raw land. In oidea to 
reach the tr.act he was obliged to cut his way 
thrciugh the (k-nse woods, and vers- lonels' indeed 
was the outlook to the little baud. On one occa- 



246 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



sion the father traded an old horse for a clock, and 
another animal for a j-oke of oxen, which it was 
found could do the work of hauling wood and 
plowing better than horses. The cattle of this 
old pioneer would often wander miles away from 
home, and at one time when going after them he 
lost his way and would have been compelled to 
stay out all night had he not followed the cows, 
who had learned the way home. 

The mother of our subject is still living on the 
old farm, and is now eightj'-one years of age. 
Her husband died in 1867. Of their five chil- 
dren, our subject is the only one living in this 
county, the others making their home in Wyan- 
dot County. Jehu R. lived with his parents 
until enlisting in Company H, One Hundred 
and Forty-fourth Ohio Infantry, in May, 1864. 
His regiment was sent to join the Ami}' of the 
Potomac, and after some thrilling experiences our 
subject was taken sick with measles and sent 
home. On recovering from this malady he re- 
joined his company, which was then in camp in 
Marjland, where they remained until July 13. 
When ordered out they were sent to Washington 
and did guard duty there until September, 1865, 
when they were sent to Columbus, Ohio, and mus- 
tered out. Mr. Willson has never fully recov- 
ered from the measles, which disease so affected 
his left eye that he was coinpelled to have it op- 
erated upon. In 1892 it became necessary to 
have it removed, and this left the other eye in 
.such a weak condition that at present he has no 
use of it and is totally I)lind. It is hoped, how- 
ever, that this affliction is only temporary and 
that his sight will be restored to him as he grows 
stronger. The Government has awarded him a 
pension for his services during the war. 

Our subject alter his army experience lived at 
home until December 7, 1865, when he was mar- 
ried to Mi.ss Lovinia Longsbaugh, of Wyandot 
County, this state. The lady was born in that 
section, November 10, 1842, and is the daughter 
of John and Samantha (Cutting) Longsbaugh. 
After his marriage he lived near the home place, 
renting his sister's farm, which he operated for 
eight years, after which he moved upon his pres- 
ent purchase. This estate he had bought two years 



previously, paying $ji i pn acre for one hundred 
and twenty acres, and $25 for another fortj-. This 
has all been improved with the exception of a 
.small tract, and is regarded as one of the best im- 
proved and productive farms in the county. Mr. 
Willson built on the place a new residence in 
1894, which co.st $1,500. He is engaged in mixed 
farming, keeping also a fine grade of Holstein 
cattle. He has placed about seven miles of tiling 
on the farm, and has put forth such well directed 
efforts in its management that he is now the pos- 
sessor of a good income. 

Mr. Willson is a Republican in politics, having 
cast his first Presidential vote in i860 for Abra- 
ham Lincoln. He was reared in the faith of the 
Quakers, but there being no church here, he at- 
tends meetings held bj- other denominations. 
His familj- includes the following children: 
Charles C, who married Parentha Stout, and is 
living in Kingfisher Count}', Okla.; John E., 
Harley N., Jehu R., Jr., and Hulda B. 



!^!€^PI'^*l^l"^i?#l=^^ - 



(Tames T. porter de.sen-es honor as one 
I of the brave .soldier bows who fought in de- 
(z) fense of the glorious Old Flag during the 
late war. He is one of the native sons of Taylor 
Creek Town.ship, Hardin County, and has always 
lived in this locality. As an agriculturist he 
ranks high among his neighbors, and the thrifty 
appearance of his well tilled fields, his neatly 
kept farmyard and everjthing about the place 
betoken the owner's constant care and supen'ision. 
Andrew Porter, father of our subject, was born 
May II, 1800, in Kentucky, and was reared on a 
farm. September 23, 1830, he married Rebecca 
Dunlap, who was a native of Ohio, born July 2, 
1805. She was brought to Greene Couiitj-, Ohio, 
by her parents the same year, and grew to wo- 
manhood there. By the marriage of Andrew 
Porter and wife there were born seven children. 
Mary Ann, born July 3, 1832, is the wife of O. 
Howe, of Kenton; Green, born November 12, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



247 



1834, married Margaret Mains, and lives near 
Silver Creek; Freeman, born Febrnary 16, 1S37, 
married Louisa Mains, and resides in this town- 
ship; Sarepta Jane, born June 30, 1839, is the 
wife of James Lowery, also nf this section; .Susan 
A., bqrn August 19, 1S41, became the wife of Dr. 
J. S. Pollock, of Greene County, Oliio; J. T. is 
the next; and Robert A., born May 14, 1846, 
died at the age of twenty years. Andrew Porter 
died October 6, 1867, and his wife survived him 
.some years. They were buried in Sieg's Ceme- 
tery. Grandfather Porter served in the War of 
1812 and died in defen.se of his beloved land. His 
wife pas.sed away in Greene County, leaving four 
children. 

J. T. Porter was born January 17, 1844, and 
was united in marriage with Sarali Kauffniau, 
near Kenton, September 2, 1869. She is one of 
five children born to John and Mary Kauffman, 
natives of Pennsylvania, who came to this state 
at an early day, but who have both been called 
to the home beyond. Mrs. Porter was l3orn Sep- 
tember 8, 1849, and by her marriage has become 
the mother of eight children, as follows: Chase, 
born June 23, 1870; Albert, November 28, 1871; 
Marshall, June 11, 1874; William A., August 14, 
1878; Mary I., August 31, 1881; Charles K., 
September 18, 1884; Nina, October 10, 1887; and 
Lydia, February 8, 1890. The eldest son is mar- 
ried, his wife having formerly been Madeline 
LaChance. They have one cliild, and are now 
residents of Big vSprings, Ohio. 

June I, 1862, Mr. Porter enlisted in Company 
K, Ivighty-seventh Ohio Infantrj', at Kenton, but 
was transferred to Company D, Eighty-fifth Reg- 
iment. He was mustered in at Camp Chase, 
where he remained a little over four months, then 
being sent to Loui.sville, Ky. The first engage- 
ment in which he took part was at Columbia, 
Tenn., after which he was in a battle at Spring 
Hill, then in Franklin, and fought at Nashville 
two days. Going to New Berne, N. C, he was in 
several skirmishes and stayed in that localit}- un- 
til the close of the war, being finally mustered 
out at Camp Cha.se. He returned home and de- 
voted himself to making the last years of his 
mother serene and happy. 



The chances for obtaining an education in the 
days of Mr. Porter's youth were not of the best, 
and he is principally self-taught. When his fa- 
tlier first came here it frequently fell to his lot to 
take grain to the mill to be ground; as the near- 
est mill was at West Liberty, the trip tliither 
consumed several days. He has always been en- 
gaged in general farming and stock-raising, and 
has usually made a success of whatever he un- 
dertakes. For fifteen years he has served as 
Township Trustee, besides acting in the offices 
of vSupervi.sor and School Director. Socially he 
is a member of the Masonic order and of the Un- 
ion Veteran Union. A member in good standing 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he bears an 
en\-iablc reputation for tlie uprightness of his 
tlealings with all and his integrity of character. 



+= 



=+ 



r^AUL K. SIEG, who was a worthy citizen of 
L/^ Taylor Creek Township, Hardin County, 
f^ was summoned to his last reward November 
26, 1884, after a life of activity and usefulness. 
Frequently his neighbors honored him with po- 
.sitions of trust, such as Township Treasurer, 
Constable, School Director, etc., and he was al- 
ways faithful to their be.st interests. In his death 
the community suffered a severe lo.ss, and liis 
numerous friends still hold his memory in the 
highest respect and love. 

Jacob, father of the above gentleman, was a 
native of Pennsylvania, and was born May 29, 
1784. His wife, Lj'dia, was born in the Key- 
.stone State, January 8, 1793, being the date of 
the event. Their seven children, who have all 
pa.ssed from earth, were as follows: Maria, born 
May 14, 1811; Susan F., February 8, 1813; John 
H., May 8, 1815; PaulK., June 5, 1818; Eva E)., 
January 24, 1821 ; Loveiiia K.; and Jane, Septem- 
ber 24, 1S27. Tlie fiither died January 5, 1855, 
and the mother January 15, 1873, and both were 
Iniried in the Sieg Cemetery. 



248 



rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



With his parents Paul Sieg' came to Ohio in 
1828, locating in Logan County, near West Lib- 
erty, where they cultivated rented land until 1839. 
They had previously bought land in this section, 
in 1834, and two years later x^laced a log cabin 
on the farm, which was totally unimproved be- 
fore that. After enduring the many privations and 
discomforts of pioneer life, they cleared a small 
tract, set out an orchard, and proceeded to de- 
velop the fann in a systematic manner. When 
his father died Paul Sieg continued to carry on 
the old homestead for a few years, and then 
bought fifty acres of partly improved land, on 
which he set up in bnsine.ss for himself. He 
made a success of general farming and stock-rais- 
ing, and became well-to-do in the course of time. 

March 27, 1859, Paul Sieg wedded Margaret 
Evans in Buck Township. The lady was born 
Februarj' 24, 1839, and is a daughter of David 
and Lavina Evans, the former of whom was born 
June 20, 1813, in Wales, and the latter Septem- 
ber 13, 18 16, in Union County, Ohio. The father 
died November 12, 1884, and the mother Novem- 
ber 23, 1891. Mrs. Sieg is one of the following 
children, namely: Elizabeth, Mrs. James Baily, 
of Plea.sant Township; Margaret, Mrs. Sieg; Beth- 
ena, wife of Ira Richards, of Silver Creek; Mary, 
wife of Thomas McElres; Thomas P., of Buck 
Township, whose wife was formerly Laura Ty- 
ler; Nancy, Mrs. Edward Moy, of this township; 
Phccbe, now Mrs. Charles White, living in Allen 
County; William H., who married Mattie Wise, 
and is a resident of this section; Magdalene, wife 
of J. B. Jack.son, of McDonald Township; John; 
William H.; Maria, deceased; and two who died 
in infancy. 

Nine children came to grace the marriage of 
our subject and wife. Henry, born June 30, i860, 
wedded Laura Schoonover, and is a farmer of tliis 
township; Robert li., born June 29, 1862, mar- 
ried Nettie Ewing, and resides in Union County; 
Lavina, born February 20, 1864, is the wife of 
W. L. Cook, of Buck Township; Jacob, born Oc- 
tober 31, 1866, married Mary Lowry, and lives in 
Taylor Creek Town.ship; David, born March 3, 
1869, married Nellie Reims, and lives in Hale 
Township; Mar>' was born April 27, 1872; Paul 



K., bom December 8, 1874, is at home, as are also 
John, born August 19, 1877, and Darius M., born 
March 22, 1884. 

A bright and intelligent man, Mr. Sieg be- 
came well informed on general and practical sub- 
jects, though he did not have such advantages as 
are now the privilege of nearly every child in this 
country to enjoj'. By making the best of his op- 
portunities, however, he at last became sufficient- 
ly versed in the common branches to pass an ex- 
amination and was granted a certificate to teach,' 
which he did for several terms successfully. He 
was a faithful member of the Methodist Church 
in this town.ship, and took an active part in all 
worthy enterpri.ses. On political questions he 
was ever on the side of the Republican party. 



(TOHN UHRICK KURT, Among the old 
I and substantial residents of Hardin County, 
O this gentleman may be numbered. He began 
life empty-handed, but by unremitting industrj', 
seconded b}- sound judgment and shrewd business 
faculties, he has acquired a good property, lo- 
cated on section 29, Blanchard Township. 

Our subject was born in the canton of Wangen, 
Switzerland, July 4, 1836, his parents being Jacob 
and Tilizabeth Kurt. He spent the first nineteen 
years of his life on a farm in his native land, and 
after emigrating to the New World was joined 
by his parents, who came hither the following 
year. Mr. Kurt made a location in Licking Coun- 
ty, this state, and the next year removed with 
his father and mother to Hardin County, where 
the former secured eighty acres of land in Pleas- 
ant Township. There they lived until the death 
of Jacob Kurt, which occurred when he was 
seventy-two years of age. His widow remained 
on the farm until 1882, with her six children, of 
whom our .subject was the fourth-born and young- 
est son. Three of this family reside in Hardin 
County, a .son and daughter make their home in 
Tennessee, and .-uiother daughter is living in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



249 



Montana. Jacob Kurt, Jr., is living on the 
old home.stead in Pleasant Township, in which 
section Mar}-, now the wife of Samuel Schluep, 
also makes her home. 

Our subject lived at home in this county until 
1864, when he made the western trip to California 
and Oregon, spending two years in working at 
whatever he could find to do. On his return, in 
1866, he lived with his mother for a twelvemonth 
aud on the 4th of April of the next j-ear was mar- 
ried to Mar)' Kellerhals. She was born October 
25, 1847, in Goshen Township, this county, and 
was the daughter of John U. Kellerhals. Upon 
establishing a home of his own, Mr. Kurt pur- 
chased eighty acres in Cessna Township, for which 
he paid $1,400, and which he .sold in 1S81 for 
$5,000. With this surplus he bought one hundred 
and twenty acres of unimproved land, which he 
cultivated and upon which he erected buildings, 
and in a few years sold sixty acres for $5,000. In 
1 88 1 he came to his present place, of which he had 
previousl)' purchased one hundred and twenty 
acres, paying therefor $3,000. To this he added, 
until now he has two hundrqd and fifty broad 
acres, all in one farm. Among the first-class im- 
provements on the estate are included a two-story 
brick residence and a large barn. One-half of 
this large farm is under the plow, and from his 
timber-lands Mr. Kurt has sold seventeen hun- 
dred railroad ties, besides large quantities of lum- 
ber for ship-building. His place has been further 
improved by having several miles of tiling laid, 
and its location is such as to insure its owner that 
the soil will always be fertile aud rich. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Kurt there have been born 
the following children; John Jacob, whose birth 
occurred December 17, 1867; Fred William, De- 
cember 4, 1869; William Henry, September 6, 
187 1 ; vSanuiel Alfred, November 4, 1874; Anna 
Louisa, August 12, 1877; Philip John, Septem- 
ber 30, 1881; Minnie Caroline, August 17, 1883; 
Carl David, March 11, 1886; and Ella Mary, 
June 17, 1889. The six first named were born 
in Cessna Township, and the three others in 
Blanchard Township. John J., at the age of four- 
teen, was killed by being kicked by a young 
horse which his father was driving. Ella Mary 



died at the age of nine months, and three infants 
died unnamed. The elder sons are at home, and 
render their fatlier valuable assistance in tlie 
management of his large landed possessions. 

In his political relations our subject is a Demo- 
crat, stanch and strong. He is identified with 
the German Reformed Church which meets at 
Kenton. He was one of the organizers of the 
congregation near his home, but for some time 
has been worshiping with the people of Kenton. 
He is a most worthy gentleman, whose pleasant 
social and moral qualities have won him many 
friends durin;^ his many years' residence here, 
and have made him an influence for nuich good 
in relioious matters. 



■'T^ 



(ST 






~o' 



EHRISTIAN GLATHART has .spent his en- 
tire mature life on his farm, which is situat- 
ed on .section 32, Tully Township, Marion 
County, and since his youth has dwelt within 
the boundaries of this county. In 184S, when he 
became the owner of his homestead, but twenty 
acres of the place had been broken, and a log 
cabin was the only other improvement. To-day 
one would hardly recognize the farm as the same 
place, for neat fences and well kept buildings for 
all nece.ssary purposes are to be seen on every 
hand, and the well tilled fields yield abundant 
harvests. By trade our subject is a mason, at 
which he worked to some extent for many years, 
thus adding to his income. 

A son of Christian and Annie Glathart, our 
.sul)ject was born May 6, 1824, in Switzerland. 
He is one of five children, four of whom grew to 
maturity. In 1828 the family crossed the Atlan- 
tic, with the intention of making a permanent 
home in the United States, and reached the.se 
ho.spitable shores after a voyage of forty days. 
From New York City they proceeded westward 
to Stark County, Ohio, where they remained for 



250 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



six j'ears, and then came to Marion County, 
which, however, at that time wasinduded within 
the boundaries of Morrow County. 

For a few years after his arrival at man's es- 
tate. Christian Glathart was principally engaged 
at his trade, but when twenty -four years of age 
tnmetl his attention to farming. The same year, 
1S4S, his marriage with Rachel Rice was celebrat- 
ed. They became the parents of fourteen chil- 
dren, as follows: John and George, twins, the lat- 
ter of whom died in infancy: Frederick, James, 
Charles, Simon, Jacob, William, Elizabeth, 
Rachel, Dora; Lnella, who died when eighteen 
months old; Mar\-, who died at the age of four- 
teen years: and one who died unnamed. 

Mr. Glathart is largely self-educated, though 
he attended for a short time the subscription 
schools held in a log cabin near his boyhood's 
home. He has made a success of his business 
ventures in most cases, and is now the owner 
of one hundred and fortj--four acres. In politics 
he is a Democrat, and on that ticket was elected 
Township Trustee. 



HON. EDMUND CONLEY is one of the 
leading citizens and busine.*^ men of Marion. 
In 1 89 1 he was elected on the Democratic 
ticket, by a good majority, as Representative from 
this district, which comprises the counties of 
Marion and Morrow. A friend to education, he 
has been a member of the School Board for aliout 
thirty years. For one year he was a member of 
the City Council, and he has al.'^oser\ed as Town- 
ship Trustee and in minor positions. All worthv 
indastries and enterprises in this locality find 
in him a friend and supporter. He is numbered 
among the stockholders of the Marion Manufact- 
uring Company, and also of the Marion Milling 
Company. 

The patenial grandfather of Mr. Conley, John 
Conley, was a native of Ireland, but came to the 
United States in 1797. His son, Henry, the fa- 



ther of Edmund, was bom in Pennsylvania. On 

reaching man's estate he married Sarah Kerr, 
by whom he had seven children, namely: Ed- 
mund; John, deceased; David, a capitalist, now 
in California; Ann, Marj- and Sallie, deceased; 
and Josiah H., who is engaged in running a 
hardware establishment and drug store at Sham- 
okin. Pa. Henry Conley was a man of good ed- 
ucation and ability. He died in Pennsylvania 
in December, 1847, in the fiith of the Presbyte- 
rian Church, with which he had long been asso- 
ciated. 

Edmund Conley was born in what is now Blair 
County, Pa., December 20, 1S29, and was reared 
at Barre Forge, that county. He started forth to 
make his own way when fifteen \-ears of age, 
working on the farm by the month, and during 
the winter terms attending .school for two years. 
He then served for three >ears as an apprentice 
to the carpenter's trade, receiving his board, S3 a 
month, and three months' schooling during the 
winter in return for his ser\-ices. In 1849 he 
went to Fairfield Countj-, Ohio, and contiimed to 
work at his trade during the summer. 

The year 1 849 witnessed the arrival of Mr. 
Conley in Marion, where he found plenty of work 
as a carpenter for the next three years. Desiring 
to try his hand at farming, he rented land for 
about eleven j-ears, or until 187^, when he pur- 
chased a tract of one hundred and ninet>-five 
acres, on which the stone-quarries are now locat- 
ed. In 1884 he moved to the valuable farm on 
which he now resides, and which comprises fifty 
acres adjacent to the corporate limits oftlietowu. 
Altogether he and his wife own two hundred and 
fifty acres of improved and fertile fann land, 
which would connnand a high and read}- price in 
the market at any time. 

November 9, 1S52, Ednunid Conley married 
Jane A. Balentine, bj- whom he has had ten chil- 
dren, as follows: Harr>-, who died at the age of 
twenty-two years: Ellen, who became the wife of 
James B. Riley, of Marion; John, a farmer of this 
county; Edwin and Ann, twins, both of whom 
are living; Frank, Julia, William and Sarah, de- 
ceased; and Charles H. The latter, who is a grad- 
uate of Marion High School, is now attending 




Ivl.l.lS I.. MIl.l.AK 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



253 



the vState University, and expects to graduate 
from the law department. The family are mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Cluirch, and enjoy the 
confidence and high regard of all who know 
them. 



rrUJS I,. MIIJ.AK. In the columns of the 
ry Republican, which is a familiar visitor to 
|_ the home of almost every resident of Kenton, 
the opinions, principles and views of its editor, 
E. L. Millar, are found reflected. The paper is 
a bright and spicy sheet, which is notable for its 
interesting local items and for its excellent re- 
views, under editorial headings, of events of na- 
tional or world-wide importance. 

The family of which our subject is a member 
has been represented in Hardin County for sev- 
eral generations. His paternal grandfather was 
John (better known as ' 'Scotch' ' ) Millar, to whom 
the latter appellation was given as a synonym for 
integrity, perseverance and thrift, and who was 
one of the sturdy pioneers of this county. The 
father of our sulyect, John D., was born in Har- 
din County in 1834, and followed agricultural 
pursuits here until his death, at the age of thirty- 
seven. In 1855 he married Ketura A. Williams, 
a native of Richland County, Ohio, and three 
children were born to their union, E. E. , John F. 
and Joseph, the latter now deceased. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Hardin 
County in 1857. His educational advantages 
were good, consisting of several years' attendance 
at the common .schools of Go.shen Township, two 
years in Kenton High School and four years in 
the Ohio Normal University at Ada, this state. 
In the latter city, in 18S0, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Minnie Manning, and three chil- 
dren were born unto them, of whom the only sur- 
vivor is Madge, born in 1888. 

At the time of his marriage Mr. Millar was 
editor and proprietor of the Ada Rfand. That 
paper, however, he sold in the fall of 1881, and 



then went to Ottumwa, Iowa, where for six 
months he was city editor of the Coinitr. Re- 
signing that position, he returned to) Ohio, and in 
May, 1882, purchased a half-interest in the Ken- 
ton Republican, with which he has since been 
connected. In 1886 he became the sole owner 
of the paper, and has since been its editor and 
publisher. In 1S92 he established the Dailv Re- 
publican, so that there are now both daily and 
weekly editions of the paper. They are excellent 
journals, devoted to home interests, literature and 
general news, and are well conducted. The edi- 
tor is a ready and forcible writer, and his papers 
are bright and new.sy sheets. He has secured a 
liberal patronage, and his subscription list has 
been steadily enlarged. 

Fraternally Mr. Millar is a Royal Arch Ma.son, 
and is also identified with the Knights of Pythias 
and the Order of Elks. While giving his sup- 
port, both at the ballot box and through the me- 
dium of the papers, \.o the principles of the Re- 
publican party, he has never cared for positions 
of prominence in public affairs, but has preferred 
to devote his attention to private duties. He is a 
friend to education, and has the best interests of 
the community at heart. In all works of advance- 
ment and progress he is found in the front rank, 
and does all in his power to promote the general 
welfare. He is a genial, well informed gentle- 
man, who has the confidence of the people, and 
his sterling worth has won him high regard. 



(pOLOMON F. ROSENCRANS is a prouii- 
7\ nent farmer of Scott Township, Marion 
\*J/ County, and for about twelve years, from 
1875 to 1S87, was extensively engaged in buying, 
selling and shipping live-.stock. His homestead 
on .section 15 comprises two hundred and forty 
acres, and altogether he is the fortunate possessor 
of three hundred and seventy acres. In politics 
he is a Democrat, and is at present serving as 
Justice of the Peace, in addition to which he 
formerly held the office of Township Trustee. 



254 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



The father of the gentleman whose name heads 
this article was John Rosencrans, a native of 
Pennsylvania, born August 8. 1804. His father 
in turn, who also bore the Christian name of John, 
was a native of Germany. Our subject's mother, 
who was known in maidenhood as Margaret Fair- 
childs, was born in the Keystone State in 1809, 
and was a daughter of Solomon Fairchilds. John 
atid Margaret Rosencrans became the parents of 
eleven children, as follows: Mary A., George, 
William, Elizabeth, John, Kmily and Ella(twins), 
Solomon, Margaret R., and two who died in in- 
fancy. 

By occupation John Rosencrans was a farmer 
throughout life. About 1848 he made his way 
to Marion County by team, .settling in Scott 
Township, where he purchased one hundred and 
sixty acres of partly improved land, the farm now 
owned by our subject. About four years before 
his death Mr. Ro.sencrans moved to Bucyrus, re- 
tiring from active business cares. His demise oc- 
curred in 1S85, and he was buried in Letimber- 
ville Cemetery. He was very successful and was 
tlie owner of eleven hundred acres of land. For 
thirty-three years he was Justice of the Peace and 
was County Commi.ssioner for two or three terms. 
In politics he voted the straight Democratic ticket, 
and at one time was elected by his party to rep- 
resent this district in the State Legislature. A 
man of good education, he taught school for eight 
or ten terms in his early manhood. 

Solomon F. Rosencrans was born in Luzerne 
County, Pa., near Wilkes Barre, July 2, 1847, 
and was yet an infant when his parents brought 
him to this county. He continued to make his 
home with them until he was twenty-live years 
of age, in the mean time receiving a district- 
.school education. About 1872 he settled on a 
piece of land in this township, and cultivated the 
.same for ten or twelve years. In 1881 he re- 
moved to the old homestead, which has since 
come into his possession. 

In 1872 occurred the marriage of our subject 
and Amanda Lee, wlio died in 1876, leaving three 
children, Rose, Flora and John. Mr. Ro.sencrans 
subsequently married Mrs. Mary E., widow of 
Daniel Fairchilds, by whom she had one son, 



Francis M. by name. Four children have graced 
the union of our subject and wife: Emma May, 
Solomon Earl and Ella Pearl (twins) and Grace. 
In his fraternal relations our subject is identified 
with the Knights of Pvthias. 






EEORGE NEIDHART is a well-to-do Ger- 
man-American farmer of Plea.sant Town- 
■ship, Marion County, where he owns an im- 
proved and valuable tract of land. He has long 
been numbered among the early settlers of this 
region, as his entire adult life has been identified 
with its development. He was born July 20, 
1821, in He.ssen, Germany, and pa.s.sed his first 
si.xteen years in his native land. 

The parents of our subject were Stephen aiid 
Mary Jane (Snow) Neidhart, who had two other 
children, both of whom are deceased. They were 
all natives of the Fatherland, but came to the 
United States in 1838. The journey across the 
Atlantic in the slow sailing-vessels of that day 
took forty -six days. They reached Baltimore in 
safety, and proceeded to this county in a wagon. 
Stephen Neidhart purchased two hundred and 
forty acres of land in this township, where he re- 
mained until his death, which occurred when he 
had attained about threescore and ten years. His 
wife departed this life when in her .sixty-sixth 
year, and both were buried in Pleasant Township 
Cemetery. The father was a farmer and black- 
smith, and when he came from Germany brought 
his tools with him. In his political views he was 
a Democrat, and in religious faith was a Iseliever 
in the Reformed Church, to which his wife also 
belonged. 

For several years after becoming a resident of 
this township, George Neidhart continued to 
dwell with his parents. At the age of twenty- 
six years he was married, and soon afterward 
moved to the farm where he is yet living. A 



POHTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



255 



small log house then constituted about the only 
improvement on the place, but the land is now 
well cultivated and has good buildings and fences 
upon it. In his native land he received a good 
German education, Init only attended scliool 
about two months in the United .States, though 
he vet}' soon acquired sufficient knowledge of the 
English tongue for all practical purposes. His 
farm comprises one hundred and twenty acres of 
land, which would readily conunand a high price 
in the market. 

For several years Mr. Neidhart has been a 
member of the School Board, and has also acted 
as Town.ship Tru.stee. Politically he is a .stalwart 
supporter of the Democratic party. I<ike his 
parents liefnre him, he holds meml)ership with 
the Ref)riULd Church, being a pillar in the con- 
gregation. 

April 2, 1S48, a marriage ceremony was per- 
formed by which Ivlizabeth Kile, of this county, 
became the wife of our subject. Iviglit cliildren 
graced their union; Caroline, wife of John Reich- 
ard, of Green Camp Township, this county; Eliza- 
beth, Mrs. John Augenstein, of this county; 
George, a resident of Marion: Mary. Mrs. Henry 
Kester, of Heiuy Count}-, Ohio; John, a farmer 
of Richland Town.ship; Hannah, who married 
Henry Sinning, of Marion; Stephen, whose home 
is also in Marion; and lunma, who is uinnarried 
and keeping house for her father. The faithful 
wife and loving mother was summoned to the 
home beyond, May 5, 1S92, and was [ilaced to 
rest in the cemetery at Marion. 



:£)#(^ 



3OHN GERLACH. The entire life of this 
gentleman has been passed in Kenton, where 
he was born August i, 1S40. He is a rep- 
resentative of the native-born citizens of Hardin 
County who have exerted a marked influence in 
its affairs, and have in various ways contributed 
to its social, commercial and material advance- 
ment. By judicious management he has been 



enabled to accumulate a competence, and his la- 
bors, directed by intelligence, have been crowned 
with success. 

The father of our subject, Ulrich Gerlach, one 
of the leading pioneers of Kenton, was born in 
Germany, January 21, i,Si2, and emigrated from 
his native land to America in 1835. Settling in 
Pitt.sburg, Pa. , he began to follow the trade of a 
harness-maker, which he had learned in Ger- 
man)'. In 1S37 he came to Kenton, but made 
only a short sojourn, going from this cit\- to 
Mansfield, Ohio. In 1.S38 he came here again 
and opened tlie first harness shop in the place, 
embarking in that Inisiness whicli he continued 
until the close of the Civil War. He then retired 
to his farm, one and three-quarter miles from 
Kenton, where he has since made his home. 

By his marriage with Miss Anna Maria Pfeifer, 
a native of Germany, Mr. Gerlach had five .sons 
and one daughter, Jolin being the eldest of the 
family, (icorge is a farmer of Hardin County; 
Adam is engaged in the harness business in Ken- 
ton; Chri.st is similarly engaged in Darke Coun- 
ty, this state; William is on tlie old homestead 
with his father; and Ivliz.abeth, the onI>- daugh- 
ter, also resides with her parents. 

In boyhood the subject of this notice learned 
the trade of a harness-maker under the guidance 
of his father, and upon arriving at man's estate 
selected f(5r his life work the occupation with 
which he was most familiar. During the late 
war he entered the army as a mendjer of the One 
Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio National Guards, 
and did .service near Harper's Ferry. On tlie ex- 
piration of his term of service he returned to Ken- 
ton, and in 1866, with his brother Adam, he suc- 
ceeded to the business of his father. The part- 
nership continued until 18S6, since wliich time 
our subject has been sole proprietor. His atten- 
tion throughout life has been devoted to the busi- 
ness which his father established in 1S38, and 
through unwavering honest}- and energy he has 
maintained the high reputation gained by tlie 
projector of the enterpri.se. 

On Christmas Day of 1862 Mr. Gerlach was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Balcli, and 
they are the parents of .seven children, five sons 



^56 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and two daughters. While not a politician iii the 
ordinary usage of thrit term, he may always be 
relied upon to use his influence and cast his bal- 
lot for the Democratic party, believing its princi- 
ples conducive to the highest good of the coun- 
try-. In his social relations he is connected with 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Identi- 
fied with the Evangelical Church, he and his wife 
are earnest and consistent Christians, and are sin- 
cere in the discharge of their religious obligations. 
They are highly respected wherever known, and 
possess considerable influence in social circles. 



-^-- 



=-f 



I IvWIS PFEIFFER. The sons of the pio- 

I I neers of Hardin County- are among the most 
[_2/ successful of its citizens. To them have de- 
scended, as a heritage, qualities of energy,-, indus- 
tr\-, perseverance and probity, which they have 
inherited from their fathers, togetlier with the 
memory of their upright lives. The subject of 
this sketch, who is a life-long resident of Goshen 
Township, is the son of one of the early settlers of 
this section, John Adam Pfeiffer, who came here 
as early as 1838, and is remembered as a man of 
sterling character and great energ>". 

A native of Hessen, Gennany, the father of 
our subject was reared to manhood in the place 
of his birth, and received a good education in the 
German schools. Shortly after his maniage to 
Miss Sophia Ellsesser, he crossed the ocean, and 
in 1S37 made settlement in Pennsylvania. His 
sojourn there, however, was but for three months. 
Believing that better opportunities would be af- 
fordetl him further West, he came to Ohio and 
purchased land in Goshen Town.ship, Hardin 
County. This part of the state was then, in many 
places, in nature's primeval .state, covered with 
dense growths of timber and destitute of any at- 
tempt at improvement. However, the soil was 
fertile, and .Mr. Pftiffer found that he was abun- 
dantly repaid for his labor in clearing the land. 



He became well-to-do, accumulating about five 

hundred acres in this county, where he remained 
until his death, at the age of sixty -nine years. In 
Goshen Township he was very prominent, and 
for some time represented it on the Board of Su- 
per\-isors. In religion he was a sincere Chris- 
tian and a devoted member of the St. Peter's 
Evangelical Church. His wife, also a native of 
Germany, diet! at the age of forty-seven, and 
their remains are interred in the Grove Cemeterj'. 

The parental family consiste<l of the following- 
named children: Elizabeth, wife of Conrad Brid- 
enbaugh, of Pleasant Township; John, a fanner 
of Hardin County: Peter, who owns and operates 
a farm in Goshen Township; George, who is sim- 
ilarly engaged: Lewis; and Adam, also a farmer 
of Goshen Township. Our subject, who is next 
to the youngest of the family, was born in Goshen 
Township, Hardin County, January 19, 1847. 
His childho'xl years were passed in his father's 
home, and he aided in the clearing of the farm. 
At the age of twenty-two he began in life for him- 
self, having received an eighty-acre tract from 
his father. This he sold in 18S3 and purchased 
the farm where he has .since resided. 

On Christmas Day of 1S73, Mr. Pfeiffer was 
united in marriage with Miss Maggie Miller, of 
Goshen Township. She is the daughter of Adam 
and Elizabeth (^Ramge) Miller, natives of Darm- 
stadt, Germany, who came with their respective 
parents to Ohio, and were here married. They 
settled in Goshen Township, of which .Mr. Pfeif- 
fer was a pioneer fanner. He is now living in 
Kenton, at the age of about seventj--seven years. 
His wife died in April, 1S92, on the old home 
farm in Goshen Township. They had a family 
of four children, as follows; Dortha, wife of Adam 
Fr>-; Elizabeth, Mrs. John Kaiser; Maggie, Mrs. 
Pfeiffer; and Louisa, who died unmarried. 

There were bom unto Mr. and Mrs. Pfeiffer 
eight children, all of whom still remain with them, 
namely: Mary Louisa, Maggie Belle, Ada Eliza- 
beth, Carl Frederick William, LouisA., Miller A., 
Zona Emma and Alma Odema. The home farm 
consi-sts of one hundred and fifteen acres, all of 
which is well improved and under a good state of 
cultivation. The land is largelv devoted to the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



^S9 



raising of cereals, though a portion is devoted to 
the pasturage of Shorthorn cattle and other good 
grades of stock which Mr. Pfeiffer owns. 

In common with all public-spirited citizens, 
Mr. Pfeiffer is interested in matters pertaining to 
the progress of the conniiunity and the welfare of 
his fellow-men. Politically he favors Democratic 
principles, and is one of the leading members of 
that parly in Goshen Township. Fur a number 
of years he has served as School Director, and he 
has also represented the township as Trustee. In 
these offices, as in the other local positions to 
which he has been called, he has rendered able 
service in behalf of his constituents, and both as 
official and citizen is well and favorably known. 
With his family he holds membershij) in vSt. Pe- 
ter's Evangelical Church. 



<^IIOMAS G. VASSAR is one of the nmst 
f C thrifty and enterprising farmers to lie fmuid 
v2^ in Hardin County. He is the owner of a 
well cultivated homestead on section 26, Taylor 
Creek Township, where he has dwelt for about 
thirty years. In 1880 he built a very pleasant 
and comfortable home, and with good barns, 
fences, etc., on the place, it is justly regarded as 
a valuable and desirable piece of property. 

The parents of the gentleman referred to above 
were Daniel and Mary (Kerns) Vassar. The 
former was born in 181 2, and the latter in 18 17, 
and they were married in Logan County, Ohio, in 
1836. Daniel Vassar passed his boyhood in Hal- 
ifax County, Va., on a farm, and on reaching his 
majority he emigrated to Rush Creek Township, 
Logan County, this state, the trip being made in 
wagons, and taking three months. He bought 
eighty-four acres of wild land, and after putting 
up a log cabin, 22x26 feet in dimensions, started 
to clear away the timber. Seven years later he 
sold out (having in the mean time cleared forty 
acres) and moved to Missouri, where he became 
the owner of four hun<lrcd acres of unimproved 



laud. He erected a small house and lived there 
the remainder of his life. lie was killed while 
out ri(hng, his horse falling on him. A Repub- 
lican in politics, he was alwa>s on the side of 
progress, doing all in his power to promote the 
welfare of his neighborhood. After Mr. Vas.sar's 
death his widow married again. 

Nine children were born to Daniel and Mary 
Vassar. Jacob, a farmer (if this lucalit)-, married 
Mary Carr; Sophia is the wife nf Adam Smith, of 
Pike County, Mo.; Thomas will be uKiitinned 
later in this sketch; John J., bcirn in 1.S42, w.-is a 
member of Company C, Twent\' first Missouri 
Regiment, and died in Scotland County, Mo., in 
1864; Nathan married Mary Lancaster, wlio died 
in 1885; Mary K., born in 1856, died at the age 
of fourteen years; and Daniel, born in 185S, mar- 
ried a Mi.ss Lancaster and lives in Mis.souri. 

Thomas G. Vassar is a native of Logan Coun- 
ty, having been born near Big Springs, December 
II, 1S40. In the spring of 1861 he enli.sted in 
Company E, Thirteenth Ohio Infantry, at Belle- 
fontaine, as Corporal under Capt. I. R. Gardner, 
and was first sent to Camp Denni.son, and later 
to Parkensburg, W. Va. He took part in several 
skirmishes prior to the battle of Shiloh, where 
he was wounded by a bullet in the right thigh 
and sent to the field hosi)ital. Afterward he was 
transferred to New Albany, Ind., and altogether 
was laid up about eleven weeks. During liis 
tedious convalescence he was home on a furlough 
about si.K months, and then rejoined his regiment, 
at that time near Murfrecsboro. The)' started 
for Chattanooga and were on the field in the bat- 
tle there for two da\s. Then followed fifteen or 
more skirmishes, which were succeeded by the 
battle of Mission Ridge. After staying at Knox- 
ville about four months, they were sent to join 
Sheruu^n at Dalton, Ga., and participated in the 
engagements of Buzzard's Roost and Resaca, 
which latter battle raged nearly two days. Alto- 
gether Mr. Vas.sar was in over thirt\--five battles 
and skirmishes, and at the end of over three 
years of valiant service was honorabls- discharged 
at Chattanooga, June 26, 1864. 

January 12, 1S65, Mr. Vassar married Minerva 
Gardner at Bellefontaine. Slie is a daughter of 



26o 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



John and Phoebe (Parsall) Gardner, pioneers of 
Washington County, Pa. Mrs. Vassar was bom 
April 3, 1S44, in that coiuitj', and by her mar- 
riage has become the mother of two children. 
Newton G., born in Logan County December 17, 
1S65, is a graduate of the Cincinnati Medical Col- 
lege and is now practicing in Ridgeway; and Er- 
nest E., born August 23, 1870, is living at home. 

For a year after Mr. \'assar's marriage he 
worked by the month, then invested his earnings 
in one hundred and two acres of wild land in 
Taylor Creek Township, the farm on which he 
has since resided. Not a stick of timber had then 
been cut on the place, and the owner had a task 
before him indeed. He was not easily di.scour- 
aged, however, and now, as the result of his toil, 
has cleared .sixty-three acres and has a well 
stocked and finely equipped farm. Until 1S80 
he lived in the humble log cabin, iSx20, with but 
two windows and two doors, and an old-fashioned 
fireplace. 

Mr. Vassar is not one who is desirous of filling 
public office, but is prompt in meeting the duties 
which rest on him as a patriot and good citizen, 
and in accordance with his belief he votes the 
Prohibition ticket. A member of the Union Vet- 
erans' Union, he belongs to Thomas Post, of 
Kenton, and also to the Odd Fellows' lodge at 
Ridgeway. Notwithstanding the fact that his 
educational advantages were not of the best in 
his youth, he is a well informed man and keeps 
|)i)steil on the current events of the day. 



3()HX W. KRAXER. Tlie agricnlturists of 
Marion County, as a rule, possess general in- 
telligence, thorough understanding of their 
calling, and great energj', and they therefore rank 
well among the farmers of Ohio. Among those 
who for years have successfully engaged in tilling 
the soil is the gentleman alx)ve named, a rep- 
resentative farmer and stock-raiser of Bowling 
Green Town.ship. His life has been ]ia.ssed prin- 



cipally in this countj-, and he resides upon his 

father's old homestead, which he purchased in 

1873- 

The parents of our subject, Philip J. and Bar- 
bara (Slim) Kraner, were natives of Baden, Ger- 
many, and there he was born May 7, 1842. 
About 1S52 the family emigrated to America, ar- 
riving in this countrj- after a tedious voyage of 
fifty-six days. The first winter was spent iu 
Auglaize County, Ohio, and in the spring of 1853 
they came to Marion County, where the father 
cultivated a rented farm for nine years. In 1862 
he purcha.sed a tract of land iu Bowling Green 
Township, and here he continued to reside until 
his death, when about sixty-four years old. His 
wife passed from earth at the age of fifty-six 
years. They were a worthy couple, of firm re- 
ligious principles, and devoted members of the 
German Reformed Church. They came to the 
United States without means, but through indus- 
try and perseverance became the pos.sessors of a 
valuable fann. 

At the time of coming to this country our sub- 
ject was a lad of ten years. He attended the dis- 
trict schools of Marion County a few months, but 
the knowledge acquired by him has been gained 
mainly by self-culture. On attaining his major- 
ity he began teaming, which occupation he fol- 
lowed in Marion for two years, and later was on 
the railroad for eight months. Returning to Ma- 
rion, he resumed work as a teamster, but soon 
afterward began to work upon the old homestead 
in the employ of his father, and in 1873 purchased 
the farm where he has since resided. 

October 11, 1874, Mr. Kraner was united in 
marriage with Mi.ss Louisa Staub, who was born 
in Baden, Germany, November i, 1849. Her 
parents, Henry and Su.san ( Hetler) Staub, came 
to America about 1853, and settled in Marion 
County, Ohio, where her mother died at fifty-four 
years of age. Her father is still living and makes 
his home in Marion. Mr. and Mrs. Kraner are 
the parents of three children, named as follows: 
Susan, who was born Novembers, 1875; George 
W., October 24, 1877; and Frederick Edward, 
August 30, 1S83. 

The farm owned and operated by Mr. Kraner 



PORTRAIT AND I'.KMiRAl'IIJCAL RECORD. 



261 



consists of seventy acres, upon which first-class 
improvements have been made, inchiding the 
erection of substantial buildings adapted to their 
various uses. The land was purchased by his 
father when it was heavy timber, without a clear- 
ing, but thmu.i^di the efforts of the two it was 
brouglit under a lii,L;'h state of cuIti\-ation, and 
every acre made to yield profitable returns. In 
his political views Mr. Kraner inclines to the 
Democracy and u.sually votes that ticket. He is 
interested in educational matters and has filled 
the office of School Director with credit to him- 
self He adheres to the religious faith of his fore- 
fathers and holds member.ship in the German Re- 
formed Church. 



BENJAMIN STEINER has been engaged in 
general farming on his homestead situated 
in Buck Township, Hardin County, for 
about thirty years. This place comprises one 
hundred and fifty-eight acres, about one-half of 
which had been cleared at the time of his pur- 
chase. He is a native of the canton of Bertie, 
vSwitzerland, his birth occurring March 6, 1828. 
The father of our subject, John Steiner, like- 
wise a native of Switzerland, emigrated to Amer- 
ica in the fall of 1837. He bought eighty acres of 
timber-land in Plea.sant Township, Hardin Coun- 
ty, and built a log cabin 20x28 feet in dimensions. 
At the time ot his death, which occurred in i860, 
he had cleared sixty acres of his land. His first 
wife, who was a Miss Anna Hani, died in Switz- 
erland in 1S32. His second marriage was with 
Miss Ainia Diek, who died in 1876. He had 
thirteen children, as follows: Mary, who is the 
widow of Louis Girard, and lives near Kenton; 
John, who died in 1864; Elizabeth, whose death 
occurred in 1870; Anna, who died in 1891; Ben- 
jamin, c)ur subject; Martha, who died in 1865; 
Gottleib, who married Lena Stiner, and lives in 
Washington: Rosanna, who died in 1861; Fred, 



who married Elizabeth Ramge, and lives in Pleas- 
ant Township; Emily, wife of Chris Ries, a mer- 
chant of Ada, Ohio: Helena, wife of Daniel 
Griner, a l)lacksmith of Ada; Margaret, Mrs. 
Henry Shinderwolf of Ada; and Henry, who 
died in 18S0. 

One of the first settlers of this county, John 
Steiner led a true pioneer life, and had to cut a 
road from Kenton to his farm. His teaming 
was all done with oxen, and work was carried on 
in a very primitive maimer. He had learned the 
blacksmith's trade in his native land, luit never 
followed the business to an\- extent. His death 
occurred in iSfio, at the age of sixty-six years, 
and from the fnrmation of the Republican part_\' 
until his demise he was one of its loyal support- 
ers. Religiousl}- he was identified with the Ger- 
man Reformed Church. 

The early years of Pjenjaiiiin Steiner were passed 
in his native land, and when eighteen years of 
age he began learning the saddler's trade at Ken- 
ton. After four years passed in that way, he 
started for California with a party of seven com- 
panions, in 1850. They took with them eight 
horses and five yoke of cattle and followed the 
regular emigrant trail uji the North Platte River 
through South Pass. From the time of leaving 
Independence, Mo., until reaching the Pacific 
vSlope, they suffered many hardships, lost all their 
cattle and at length their four remaining horses. 
They managed to obtain an Indian pony, but suf- 
fered terribly for want of food and shelter, and 
became footsore and weary. North Platte River 
the}- forded in three canoes la,slied together, and 
they were obliged to take their wagon apart. 
They were from April 2 until August 25 in 
making the journey. After working for two 
years in the mines near W'eaverville, Mr. Steiner 
bought three hundred and twenty acres of land 
and devoted himself to farming and market-gar- 
dening, finding a read}- sale among the miners for 
his produce. In i86r he returned home by way 
of the Isthmus of Panama and settled down to a 
quiet existence, fnr the next two years working 
in a grocerj- in Kenton. He then took a voyage 
to the Fatherland, where he remained for ten 
months, visiting relatives and the scenes ot his 



262 



PORTRAIT AND iJlUCRAril'CAL lUiCORD. 



youth. On coming back to this county he oper- 
ated liis brother's farm for a year, and then pur- 
chased the place where he has lived ever since. 
He raises horses and cattle and a few sheep, in 
addition to the usual crops common to this re- 
gion. 

August 24, 1865, Benjamin Steiner was mar- 
ried, at Kenton, to Mary, daughter of Benjamin 
and Martha Moy, natives of Switz.erland, who 
came to the United States in 1850. Mr. Moy 
was a sJioemaker by trade and followed that call- 
ing at Kenton for many years. He had borne to 
him the following children: Martha, Mary, Ferd- 
inand, Edward, Gottfried, Elizabeth and Anna. 
To Benjamin Steiner and wife were born four 
children, the eldest of whom died in infancy. 
Olga M., born Augu.st 15, 1867, was married, in 
Decendjer, 1893, to John C. Ochs, of Kenton, and 
has one child. Laura, born in January, 1869, 
died in May, 1876, and was buried in Grove 
Cemetery, of Kenton. Carl H., born October 22, 
1S73, died in August, 1884. Mrs. Steiner, who.se 
birth occurred in 1S33, died in Augu.st, 1889, 
aged fifty-six 3'ears. 

In religious belief Mr. Steiner is a member of 
the German Reformed Church at Kenton. Po- 
litically he is a supporter of the Republican party. 
A man of great industry and energy, he has pro- 
vided well for his family and has acquired a goo<l 
property. 



3()S1':PH terry. Though a resident of La- 
rue for a short time only, Mr. Terry is well 
known throughout the entire county of Ma- 
rion and the surrounding country. It was in 
January, 1894, that he came to Larue and em- 
barked in the livery business, which he has since 
conducted with a profitable and increasing trade. 
He is the senior memlierofthe firm of Terrv it 



Sutton, and through the reliability of his business 
dealings he has gained an enviable reputation as 
a straightforward, energetic man. 

The father of our subject, David Terry, was a 
native of Hardin County, where he continued to 
make his home throughout life. When the call 
came for soldiers to enlist in the .service of the 
Union he was one of the volunteers who responded. 
Enlisting in the One Hundred and Twenty-third 
Ohio Infantry, he sen'ed gallantly until he fell 
upon a vSouthern battlefield. He left two sons, 
Joseph and Lycurgus W'., the latter being a 
farmer in Hardin County. 

A native of Hardin County, Ohio, the .subject 
of this sketch was born December 11, 1859. He 
was reared to manhood upon the old homestead, 
and being orphaned in childhood by his father's 
death, he was early obliged to become self-reliant 
and .self-.supporting. Upon starting out in busi- 
ness for himself, he opened a restaurant in Forest, 
Hardin Count}-, of which he was proprietor for 
some time. As above stated, he came to Larue 
in the early part of 1894, and here he has since 
engaged in the livery business, being the owner 
of the barn and stock at the rear of the hotel. 

In January', 1882, Mr. Terrj' was united in 
marriage with Miss Alvira Hildreth, and they 
have two children, namely: David F., who was 
born August 8, 1884; and Otto D., August 28, 
1886. Both are now students in the schools of 
Larue. Mrs. Terry was Ixirn in Wyandot Coun- 
ty, Ohio. Her parents, who were old settlers of 
that county, are both now deceased. They made 
their home upon a large farm, and their landed 
possessions were extensive and valuable. They 
had four children, tho.se beside Mrs. Terry being 
William, whose home is in Nebra.ska; Cordelia, 
the wife of Simeon Cook, of Hardin County; and 
Emily, who married M. I). Thomas, and resides 
near F'indlay, Ohio. 

From childhood Mr. Terry has been identified 
with the growth of this section of the state, and 
being a man of pleasant disposition and courteous 
manners he enjoys a wide acquaintance and the 
confidence of many friends. He takes considera- 
ble interest in political affairs, and votes the Re- 
publican ticket. IIowe\cr, he has never bein an 




eii.\Ri.i;s \v i,i:ri"i.i-:R. 



PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



265 



office-seeker, preferring to devote his entire time 
to his business affairs. In religions views he is a 
Methodi.st, and is connected with that church in 
Larue. 






EHARIJiS W. I.IvI'FLER, the jiopular Treas- 
urer of Marion County, was elected by a 
large majorit)' to this responsible position in 
Novenil)er, 1891, assuming the duties of the office 
in September, 1.S92, and in the fall of the follow- 
ing year was re-elected. Previou.sly he .served 
for four years as Deputy under the County Tr.^s- 
urer, George W. Cook, and thus obtained a prac- 
tical knowledge of the duties of the office with 
which he has been connected for the past six 
years. Aside from this he has been a member of 
the City Council for three terms, and by his man- 
ly performance of the work resting upon him has 
won the confidence of his fellow-citizens and of 
the people of this county. It would surelj' be 
hard to find one better qualified in every respect 
to administer the bu.siness of the Treasurer's office. 
The sketch of G. Leffler, father of our subject, 
will be found in another part of this volume. 
Charles W. was born in Upper Sandusky, Wyan- 
dot County, Ohio, November i, 1854, his parents 
being temporary residents of that city prior to lo- 
cating in Marion, where they lived for many 
years. Young Leffler was reared to manhood in 
this place, and was educated in her public schools, 
after which he took a commercial course in the 
business college at Delaware, Ohio. In 1869 he 
went into the grocery and provision store owned 
by his father. The business had been established 
by the father in order to give his sons employ- 
ment, while he himself gave but little personal 
attention to the concern. Remaining in his em- 
ploy until 187 1, Mr. Leffler then took a practical 
business-college course, graduating in March, 
1872, but as it was his father's wish that he 
should learn the brick and contracting bu.siness, 
he turned his attention in that direction and 



learned every detail of the trade, following the 
same until 1S79. Then, in company with his 
brother John, he embarked in business, under 
the firm name of Leffler Bros. , and this connection 
existed until September, 1888, when his public 
service began. 

November i, 18S3, Mr. Leffler was united in 
marriage with Miss Anna M. Gottschall, of Co- 
lumbus, whose brother married Mr. Leffler's sis- 
ter Louisa, and is an extensive dry-goods mer- 
chant in Columbus. Three children, a son and 
two daughters, have come to bless the home of 
our subject, namely: Mildred E., born June 9, 
18S5; Hazel L., August I, 1888; and Charles W., 
Jr., July I, iSr;4. Mr. and Mrs. Leffler are well 
received in the best social circles of the place, and 
the former is a prominent member of the Benevo- 
lent Order of Elks. For many years Mr. Leffler 
has been actively engaged in promoting many of 
the leading enterprises of the city, and is looked 
upon as one of the solid citizens. 



IILLIAM H. YOUNG, Vice-President of 
the Champion Iron Works of Kenton, was 
born in Lancaster County, Pa., October 
II, 1 83 1. His father was Archibald Young, a 
native of Belfast, Ireland, who made the journey 
across the Atlantic when a lad of seventeen years. 
He at once made his home in Lancaster County, 
Pa., where as years passed by he became well-to- 
do, owning one of the best farms in the county. 
In 1857 ^12 came to Logan County, this state, 
where, seven years later, he died. For several 
years prior to his decease he lived retired from 
active business of any kind, having accumulated 
a handsome fortune, which enabled him to enjoy 
his declining years. 

The mother of our subject, Mrs. Anna (HoeyJ 
Young, was likewi.se born in the Emerald Isle, 
but only lived there two years, when she was 
brought to America by her father and mother. 



266 



PORTRAIT AND UIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



The former, who bore the name of William Hoey, 
was a tailor by trade and, like the father of our 
subject, on landing in America, made his way to 
Lancaster County, where he lived to be ninety- 
eight years old. It is said by those who claim to 
know that at the time of his decease he was the 
oldest PVee Mason of the United States. He was 
prominent in many social orders, and had taken 
some of his degrees in Ma.soiiry in the Old Coun- 
try-, under King William. 

William II., of this sketch, had four brothers 
and five si.sters, of whom two of the former and 
two of the latter are now living. James was for- 
merly connected with the Champion Iron Works, 
but for the past four years has resided in Califor- 
nia; John is a sab.stantial farmer near Piedmont, 
Mo. ; Thomas, who served as a Union soldier in 
the Thirteenth Ohio Infantry, made his home in 
Belle Center, this .state, until his demise, in 1890; 
Robert was an engineer, and in 1865, while run- 
ning a locomotive in Cuba, met with an accident 
which resulted in his death; Margaret is now the 
wife of L. T. Hunt, a noted lawyer in Spring- 
field, Mo.; and Anna married John McPherson, 
a farmer of this county. 

Our subject early in life learned the carpenter's 
trade, and on attaining his majority came West 
to seek his fortune. He located in Sandu.sky, and 
until 1864 worked at his trade. That year he en- 
gaged in the lumber business at Belle Center, 
where he had a large wholesale and retail trade. 
Four years later we find him living in Kenton, 
where he engaged as a lumber merchant until 
1889, when, in company with his brother James 
and others, he established the Champion Iron 
Works. In order to give his undivided attention 
to this enterpri.se, he sold out his lumber interests 
and was elected President of the company. In 
1893 he was succeeded by Dr. G. J. Carter, and 
since that time he has filled the office of Vice- 
President of the concern, in which he is one of 
the largest stockholders. He has been one of 
the leading spirits in the upbuilding of Kenton, 
and for seventeen years was Chief of the Fire De- 
partment, which is one of the best organized in 
the .state. He has also been President of the 
water works, having filled the position for seven 



consecutive years. At one time he was one of 
five men who owned the straw board works, 
which concern is now under the control of the 
American Straw Board Tru.st. He .stands very 
high in various social orders, and for the past fif- 
teen years has been a Knight Templar, and a 
member of the Scottish Rites for thirteen years. 

Mr. Young has been three times married. His 
first union was with Miss Caroline Moores, b\' 
whom he had one daughter, who is now the wife 
of Webli C. Ball, a prominent jeweler of Cleve- 
land. His .second marriage, which occurred in 
1863, resulted in the birth of a son, William, who 
occupies the position of shipping clerk for the 
Champion Iron Works. In 1873 he was married 
to Mrs. Mina E. Stroup, daughter of John Kib- 
linger, who was born in Virginia. 

In politics our subject is a .stanch Republican. 
He has a very pleasant home on North Main 
Street, Kenton, and is regarded liy rich and poor 
with re.spect. 



-m^ 



GlNDREW RUNSER. Through the ener- 
Ll gctic prosecution of his agricultural enter- 
I I ]irises, Mr. Runser has become well known 
throughout Hardin County as a successful farm- 
er, although he has for a number of years been 
retired. He was formerly the owner of five hun- 
dred and fifty acres of fine farming land in this 
county, but as his children embarked in life he 
gave each of them a farm, only retaining a small 
acreage for his own use until death. 

Our subject was born in Alsace, near Henne- 
gowen, France, November 30, 18 15. He is the 
son of Seraphin and Catherine (Wicke) Runser, 
also natives of that province. His father was 
born about 1780, and at the battle of Waterloo 
was present as one of Napoleon's soldiers. Two 
of his brothers also .served under that noted 
General, and one of them died while living in 
Holland, a number of years thereafter. The other 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



267 



was ill the army for a period of sixteen years, but 
upon settling down to private life was unable to 
work. 

Serapliin Runser farmed on a small scale and 
later worked in rough masono' in Switzerland, 
In 1832 he sold his land there, which consisted of 
only ten acres, divided into fifteen or twenty dif- 
ferent sections, and emigrated to America. Aft- 
er being fifty-nine days on the Atlantic he was 
landed at New York Harbor. In the latter part 
of July he made his way up the Hudson River 
to Albany, and from there, via the Erie Canal, to 
Buffalo, where he obtained his first work. He 
remained in that city for .six weeks, then going by 
way of Lake Erie to Cleveland, only staying in 
that city one week, however. At that time he 
could have bought land wdiere Perry's Monument 
now stands for $7 per acre, Cleveland then being 
a small village. Thence he went to Massilloii, 
where he lived for fourteen years, and then moved 
to Hardin County, living in Liberty Town.ship 
until his decease, in July, 1862. His grandfa- 
ther was Peter Runser, who lived and died in the 
Old Country. 

Catherine Wicke was born in Alsace, in 1795, 
and departed this life when nearly ninety years of 
age. .She became the mother of seven children, 
of whom our subject was the eldest. Two de- 
parted this life in the Fatherland and one died 
while en route to the New World. Of those now 
living besides Andrew, we make mention of Ma- 
tilda, now Mrs. Charles Rallion, of Arkansas; 
Nancy, the widow of James Miller, who died in 
Andersonville Prison, during the late war; and 
Sebastian, now living in Mercer Count>-, Pa. 

Mr. Runser attended school in Germany prior 
to coming to America, and after arriving here 
went to school four months, in order that he might 
acquaint himself with the English language. 
When his father located in Massilloii he was ap- 
prenticed to a blacksmith to learn the trade. On 
completing his apprenticeship, he worked as a 
journeyman in and around the city until 1846, 
when he moved to Mercer County, Pa., and there 
plied his trade until 1850. Fearing that if he re- 
mained ill this region his sons would either go to 
work on the canal or in the iron foundries, where 



their associates would not be the best, he decided 
to rear them on a farm. Accordingly he pur- 
cha.sed a pony, and, visiting Ohio, found the 
tract on which he is now residing. This he lost 
no time in purchasing and moved his family up- 
on it. It included at that time about one hun- 
dred acres, of which five were cleared and set out 
in an orchard and fifteen had been chopped over. 
On this he erected a small shop, as soon as his 
family had been made comfortable; but in order 
to raise the logs he applied to his neighbors for 
assistance. As soon as they learned that whisk- 
ey would nut be furnished them they refused to 
be present, but when our subject gave them his 
reasons lor not using the beverage, they were 
among the first on the ground the next morn- 
ing. 

Andrew Runser was a very hardworking and 
industrious man, gi\'ing his attention to farm 
work during the day and plying his trade at 
night. He was pro.spered and bought eighty 
acres of land, which he gave to his father for life, 
and on his death he cared for his mother until she 
passed from earth, which was about twenty 
years thereafter. He accumulated a vast amount 
of property, the greater part of which he has di- 
vided among his sons and daughters. He has 
been retired from farm work for a number of 
3-ears, but until two years ago worked at his 
trade. This he was obliged to abandon on ac- 
count of partial paralysis of his right arm. 

Our subject was married, February 20, 1840, in 
Mercer County, Pa., to Miss Isabel McDowell, 
who was a native of that county, born April 17, 
1815. She was the daughter of Robert and Jane 
(Lodge) McDowell, and by her union with Mr. 
Runser became the mother of six children, five of 
whom lived to manhood and womanhood. Hul- 
da, who married Cornelius Pugh, now deceased, 
lives south of Ada; Charles W. lives on an estate 
adjoining that of his father; Wallace makes 
his home in Liberty Township, just east of 
his brother Charles; Jonathan occupies a farm 
north of our subject's; Harriet married Melviii 
Matthews, and on his death became the wiie of 
J. C. Montgomery, but both are now deceased; 
Louis Franklin died when two years of age. 



268 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Both Mr. and Mrs. Run.ser arc members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics the 
former has been a stanch Republican since the 
organization of his party. He .served for twenty- 
seven years as Trustee of his township. So pop- 
ular was he in his neighborhood, that during the 
existence of the "Know-Knothing" party, which 
was ver>' strong in his community, he was solic- 
ited to join that society, although of foreign birth. 
For three years he served as Justice of the Peace, 
and was School Director and Supervisor for many 
years. He enli.sted in the Civil War, but was re- 
jected on account of physical disability. His son 
Wallace, however, was a Union soldier for nearly 
three vears. 



=0#G 



GlXTHONY HO USER, who was one 
f I of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers 
/ I of Scott Township, Marion County, died at 
his home on section 13, November 2, 1883. He 
was one of Ohio's native sons, and his birth oc- 
curred August 29, 18 19. From his boyhood his 
time and energies were devoted to agricultural 
pursuits. He was also a practical carpenter, hav- 
ing ser\-ed a regular apprenticeship to the trade, 
and this he followed more or less during his life- 
time. At the time of his demise he owned several 
hundred acres of land, the result of his careful 
economy and good business management. In 
all his undertakings he was aided, cheered and 
sustained by his faithful wife and hclpniale, who 
is yet living on the old homestead. 

The father of our subject was Michael Houser, 
who was born in Penn.sylvania, and who on ar- 
riving at manhood married Christine Mankur, 
by whom he had five children, Anthony being 
the fourth of the family. While he was yet a 
small l)oy, our subject removed with his parents 
to Crawford County, Ohio, and there he passed 
his youth, receiving a common -school education. 
In 1835 Anthony Houser began serving an ap- 
prenticeship at the carpenter's trade, and for the 



next fifteen years devoted his time principally to 
that calling. In 1842 he purchased twenty acres 
of land on section 13, Scott Township, and here 
he made his home for several years. He after- 
wards purchased eighty acres of the farm which 
is now owned by his widow, and from time to time 
added additional tracts to his possessions. His 
death was sincerely mourned by a large circle of 
friends and acquaintances, and he is now sleeping 
his last sleep in Whitstone Cemetery. He was 
a member of the Reformed Church, to which his 
wife belongs. 

In 1842 Anthony Houser and Eliza Wise were 
united in marriage. Ten children came to bless 
their union, namely: Mary Jane, who died at 
the age of eleven months; John, now a resident 
of Kansas; Eliza, the wife of Christian Pommert, 
a merchant of Caledonia; Catherine, wife of Rob- 
ert Highly, also a merchant of Caledonia; Sarah, 
wife of E. Dennian, a farmer of this county; 
Hattie, wife of Eli Cri.ssinger, a farmer of Scott 
Township; Melinda, who is the wife of Jacob 
Spiece, and resides on the old homestead; and 
three who died in infancy. The family has al- 
ways been much respected in this region and has 
ever taken a great interest in everything pertain- 
ing to its development. 









r~RANK D. RAIN, M. D., who .stands at the 
r^ head of his profession in Hardin County, is 
I * a native of this state, and was born in Ken- 
ton, where he at jirescnt makes his home, August 
24, 1850. His father. Judge James Bain, born in 
1817, in Greene County, Ohio, came to Kenton 
two years prior to our subject's birth, and here 
was an attorney of admitted ability. 

James Hain served for some years as Probate 
Judge of Hardin County, and was a member of 
the first Board of Education in this portion of the 
.state. He was an influential member of the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RFX'ORD, 



269 



United Presbyterian Church, and in the denomin- 
ation at Kenton was Elder for man},- years. He 
departed this Hfe in 1879. His father, who also 
bore the name of James, was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, and served as a soldier durin;^ the War of 
1S12. He moved in early life to Greene County, 
Ohio, and was classeil among the well-to-do pio- 
neers of that section. 

The mother of Dr. Bain was jjrior to her mar- 
riage known as Miss Jane McBride. vShe died in 
1857, when Frank D. was a lad of .seven years. 
The following year his father was again married, 
the lady on this occasion being Mrs. Winget 
Dodds, who was born in Delaware County, this 
state, in 1S19. vShe came to Kenton in the year 
1837, and since the death of her luislxind has 
made her home with the Doctor. vShe lias now 
passed the age of threescore years and ten, and is 
as bright and haj)py as many who are only half 
that age. Having been a resident of this place 
for over fifty years, she has seen Kenton grow 
from a hamlet of one hundred inhabitants to a 
thriving city of eight thousand people, and can 
relate many an interesting tale of life in the early 
days. She has been a devout member of the 
United Presbyterian Church all her life, and de- 
votes, much of her time lo Christian work in her 
neighborhood. 

Our .subject has two brothers. Rev. Henry 
Bain, a prominent Presbyterian minister located 
at Pittsburg, Pa., where he has been jiastor of a 
church for a ([uarter of a century, is a graduate of 
Washington and Jefferson College, in the Key- 
stone State, and received a diploma from the 
Western Thefilogical College of Pitt.sburg. The 
church over which he is presiding at the present 
time has had but four ])asl()rs during one hundred 
years. Henr\ Bain was a private in the One 
Hundred and Tliirty-fifth Ohio Infantry during 
the Civil War, and with his regiment participated 
in many well kncjwn ens;a,L,'enients. The other 
brother of our subject is Charles. He, too, 
served his country in tlie late war, being on the 
field of battle during that entire period, as a mem- 
ber of the Second Ohio Heavy Artillery. He is 
now living in Jasper County, 111., where he is 
engaged in cultivating a valuable tract of land. 



The Doctor also has two si.sters: Mary B. Miller, 
who is in charge of the Pittsliurg (Pa. ) Hospital 
for Children, and Mrs. Nelson Roljinson, whose 
husband is a tile manufacturer of Kenton. 

Our subject received his literar\- eduiatiiDi in 
the common schools of his nati\-e eily, and when 
only thirteen years of ai;e went into a drug store 
as clerk. He continueil in Ih.-il capacit)- for five 
j'ears, when he took up the study of medicine un- 
der the instruction of the late Dr. W. H. Philips. 
In 1872, after attending lectures at tlie I'ellevue 
Medical College of New York, he was graduated 
therefrom, and then spent one year in the Kast, 
after which he returned to Kenton and entered 
into partnership with his former ])receptor. This 
connection existed for two years, when our sub- 
ject practiced alone near Pittsburg, Pa., for three 
years. In 1S79, on the death of his father, he 
returned to this cit>- and has been in active ])rac- 
tice here ever since. 

Dr. Bain was for .several j'ears physician to the 
County Infirmary, and at the present time is .Sec- 
retary of the Board of Health, with which he has 
been connected ever since its organization. He 
has also been Surgeon for the Cincinnati & Iv.ist- 
ern, the Toledo & Ohio Central, and the Big 
Four Railroad Companies for many years, and 
has acted in the .same capacity for the Second 
Regiment Ohio National Guards. 

In 188 1 Dr. Bain took a po.st-graduale cour.se 
at Rush Medical College of Chicago, six years later 
entered the Medical College of New York, ]iur- 
.suing an advanced cour.se of .stud\-, and in 1892 
was graduated from the Post (iradnatc .School of 
London, I'jigland. He is a inenil)er of the Amer- 
ican Medical Association, the National Associa- 
tion of R.iilroad Surgeons, the Ohio State Medical 
vSocietw and the Northwestern Ohio Medical As- 
.sociation, ol' wliirh he was at one time President. 
He now holds the ofiice of \'ice-President of the 
Ohio Medical A.ssociation. He stands very high 
in Masonic circles, and is regarded by all to be 
one of the most skillful surgeons and i)h\sicians 
in the state. The Doctor is a devoted member of 
the Presbyterian Church, and in politics is a 
stanch sujiporter ol Republic.in j)rinciples. 

Dr. Bain was married, Sejjtendjer 16, 1875, to 



2 70 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Miss Kate, daughter of Col. James Purely, of 
Mansfield. She died two months after her mar- 
riage, and June 27, 1877, our subject was mar- 
ried to Mi.ss Eleanor Armstrong;, the daughter of 
Wilson Armstrong, ofGalion, this stale. 



1^^^- 



EAPT. JA.MHS W. LOUTHAN, whose home 
is on section 27, Blanchard Township, Har- 
din County, won his title and honors in the 
Civil War, in which he served valiantly for four 
years and four months. He was elected in 1892, 
on the Democratic ticket, to be County Commis- 
sioner, and received a handsome majority, his op- 
ponent being J. M. Shannon, of this township. 
At first his a.ssociates were J. B. Bailey and R. 
.S. Latham, of McDonald and Goshen Townships, 
respectively. At present the other Commissioners 
are Mes.srs. T. J. Dickinson and Frank Hursh. 
While the Captain has been a member of the 
Board the pike roads have been extended, the 
armory at Kenton erected, and other improve- 
ments made. As an official he is very popular, 
and that not only in the ranks of his own party. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Moses 
Louthan, was a native of Scotland, and his ma- 
ternal grandfather, John McConnell, was of Irish 
birth. The Captain's father, Samuel M., was 
born in Beaver County, Pa., in 1801, and died 
at the age of eighty-five years, in 1886. By his 
first union, which was with vSusan Gro.sscross, he 
had two children. His .second wife was Eleanor, 
a native of Beaver County, Pa., in which state 
she died. Tlic father later married Mary Ann 
I""ullerton, who is still living on the home farm 
on section 16, Blanchard Town.ship, where they 
settled in 1852. She bore her liu.sband nine chil- 
dren, of whom five are living. Samuel Louthan 
was a carpenter by trade, and politically was a 
Democrat. He was reared in the Presbyterian 
faith, but was prominent in the upbuilding of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church of this locality. 

The Captain was born in Beaver County, Pa., 



September 20, 1840. His mother's other chil- 
dren were John M. and Elizabeth, both of whom 
are deceased. When nine years of age he became 
a resident of this town.ship, and passed his boy- 
hood on his father's farm, attending school in the 
home district and in Kenton. April 20, 1861, on 
the first call for troops, he enlisted at Sullivan, 
Ind., in Company I, Seventeenth Indiana In- 
fantry. He was on his way to the W^est, and 
had proceeded that far when his patriotism over- 
came all other considerations, and he tendered 
his .services in defense of the Flag. He was sta- 
tioned at Indianapolis during the three-months 
service, but June 12 was regularly mustered in 
for three years. That summer he was sent to 
West Virginia, and in the fall was attached to the 
Army of the Cumberland. He took part in the 
battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Shiloh, 
and all the battles in which his regiment was en- 
gaged. In the winter of 1862-63 '^^ ^^''i-'' uuder 
Col. J. T. Wihler, at Murfrecsboro, who was in 
charge of Wilder' s Brigade, which was made up 
of four regiments. That year the Captain had 
charge of the scouts, but as a non-conunissioned 
officer. In March, 1864, he was made Second 
Lieutenant by Governor Morton, "and June 12 fol- 
lowing was commissioned Captain, as the regular 
Captain of Company I had been attached to an- 
other staff, and the First Lieutenant was inca- 
pacitated for duty by' sickness. About this time 
Colonel Miller, of the Seventy -second, took charge 
of this brigade, which was attached to the cavalry 
commanded by General Wilson, and acted as the 
regular cavalry. The Captain took charge of 
a number of scouting parties, and on one of these 
expeditions, when near Columbus, Ga., he cap- 
tured a rebel officer, Lieutenant Howell, with 
whom he is now carrying on a correspondence. 
A warm attachment exists between the two, who 
hold each other in high respect. At the time of 
Johnston's surrender. Captain Louthan was under 
Wilson's conunand, and his la.st service was when 
efforts were made to capture Jeff Davis at Macon, 
Ga. He never received a wound, except a slight 
injury caused bj- the rebounding of a piece of 
.shell. His final discharge was dated August 19, 
1865, at Macon, Ga. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



Returning from the vSonth to Ohio, our subject 
bought a piece of land, and since that time has 
been engaged in its cultix'ation. He has cleared 
about eighty acres, and has a well improved place. 
Fraternally he belongs to the Union Veterans' 
Union, and was made a member of the Masonic 
order in 1892, at Dunkirk. Both he and his wife 
are active members of Harris Chapel, a Method- 
ist Episcopal Church two miles distant from their 
home, and the Captain is now serving as one of 
its Stewards. 

December 30, 1866, occurred the marriage of 
J. W. Louthau and Belinda I. Thomson, who was 
born September 20, 1845. vShe is a daughter of 
James A. and Elizabeth (Hinebaugh) Thomson, 
early settlers of this township, their old home- 
stead being the one adjoining the farm of our sub- 
ject. Two children have been l)orn to the Cap- 
tain and his wife: Ara, who is the wife of Thomas 
Smith and lives in this neighborlumd; and Charles, 
who is still at home. 



©QUIRE COONEY. There can be no higher 
2\ tribute paid to a man than to say with truth 
Cy/ that in the cour.se of a long and useful career 
he has not only gained a competence for liimself 
but has also maintained the highest regard of his 
fellow-men. Such may with justice l)e said of 
the subject of this sketch, who is one of Hardin 
Comity's most honored citizens. For many j-ears 
he has made his home on section 12, Marion 
Township, where he owns a farm consisting of 
five hundred and sixteen acres of well improved 
land. 

Referring to the ancestral history of the Cooney 
famil}-, we find that our subject's father, Asa 
Cooney, was born in Fairfax County, Va., in 
1795. In an early day he came to Ohio, where 
he settled in Ross County, removing from there 
to Champaign County, and in the spring of 1841 



coming to Hardin County. Until his death, Oc- 
tober 9, 187^1, he continued to reside on section 
12, Marion Township, where he owned an eight\-- 
acre farm. This was the largest number of acres 
he ever owned, and the large holdings now owned 
by his sons have been accumulated through their 
personal efforts. 

The marriage of Asa Cooney and Nancy Ann 
McCauley took place in Union County, Ohio, in 
1S25, and resulted in the birth of eight children, 
namely; James; Squire; June, wife of H. H. Wil- 
son; John, who is a resident of Grand Rapids, 
Iowa; Amanda E., deceased; Eucinda, who has 
been married three times and is now the wife of 
Harvey Mathews; William; and Evaline, wife of 
Lewis Oldecker. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Union 
Township, Champaign County, Ohio, August 
15, 1827. He attended school in Champaign and 
Hardin Counties, continuing his .studies, though 
at irregular intervals, until twenty-one years of 
age. Aljout one year after attaining his majority 
he began in the world for himself his first work 
being in the employ of James Gray, who paid 
him $13 a m<inth. He and his brother James 
frequently took jobs of "grubbing" by the acre, 
and splitting rails by the hundred. Much of the 
winter .season was devoted to hunting, and in this 
way were secured valuable furs, which were sold 
to people in this locality. Besides this they also 
bought and sold furs. 

In 1854 Mr. Coone\' bouglU an undivided share 
in an estate, and the eighty-one acres set off to 
him f )rm a part of his present homestead. Of 
the original tract al)out fifteen acres had been 
clearetl, but the remainder was in the iirimeval 
condition of nature. In the fall of 1856 he built 
a log cabin, and to this home he brought his 
bride the following \ear. While he had very 
little of this world's goods, he had a sufficient 
amount to enable him to begin housekeeping 
without incurring an indebtedness. It has always 
been his aim to avoid delit, and the $100 which 
he borrowed at the time of purchasing his first 
piece of land is the largest sum and the last he 
has owed in the course of a long and successful 
career. By frugality and energy he has added 



272 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



to his original tract, until his landed possessions 
now aggregate about five hundred and sixteen 
acres. 

June 27, 1857, occurred the marriage of Mr. 
Cooney and Miss Eliza J. Given, the daughter of 
Alexander and Mary (Campbell) Given, of whom 
mention is elsewhere made. Her paternal grand- 
parents were William and Jane (Mahan) Given, 
natives, respectively, of Maryland and Virginia. 
Her father is one of the oldest surviving settlers 
of Hardin Comity, to which he came in April, 
1830. She was born in McDonald Township, 
January 6, 1837, and is one of three children, the 
others being Mary H., wife of T. J. McDonald; 
and Frank. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cooney have 
been born four children, one of whom died in in- 
fancy. The others are Mar>' C. ; vSpencer H. ; and 
Vallie J., wife of F. G. Hursh, living on section 
12, Marion Township. In politics Mr. Cooney 
has always been a stanch Republican. He was 
at one time elected Justice of the Peace, but re- 
fused to qualify for some months, being, how- 
ever, finally prevailed upon to accept the position. 
Some years ago he served as School Director and 
Road Supervi.sor, which position he filled with 
credit to himself. 



m: :m: :m - m^ ^^^^^^^^r^^is^^'^^^ 



ATTIIKW G. MII.LIvK. For many years 
Mr. Miller has made his home in Bowling 
Green Township, Marion County, where 
he is the owner of a valuable farm, including one 
hundred and eight acres. In youth he became 
thoroughly familiar with the occupation of his 
ancestors, that of agriculture, and this he has 
followed for his life work. As a farmer he iscare- 
tul, persevering and indu.strious, and his success 
is largely due to the exercise of these qualities, 
combined with sound judgment. He is a veteran 
of the Civil War, in which he took an active part, 
rendering valiant .service in defense of the Old 
Flag. 

A nalise of Peun.sylvania, Mr. Miller was born 



in Cumberland County, May 16, 1839, and he 
and his twin sister, Margaret, were the eldest of 
the six children born to John and Hannah (Gel- 
bin) Miller. Margaret is the wife of David Judy, 
of Peru, W. Va.; Hannah, the next younger, 
died at the age of forty-five years; George passed 
away in infancy; Kerenhappuch is the wife of 
Frank M. Bain, of Ann Arbor, Mich.; and John, 
the youngest of the family, died when about 
forty years old. 

Born, reared and married in Cumberland Coun- 
ty, Pa., our subject's father removed thence to 
Ohio in 1847, and purchased a farm in Montgom- 
ery Town.ship, Marion County, where he re- 
mained until his death, in 1S83, at sixty -eight 
years of age. He was a man of influence in his 
locality and served for a time as Trustee of his 
township. His parents were born in Peun.syl- 
vania, and were of German extraction. The lady 
whom he married was a native of Pennsylvania, 
born in 1807, and of German descent. She died 
on the old homestead when .seventy-one years 
old. 

No event of special importance marked the life 
of Mr. Miller until the outbreak of the Rebellion, 
when, fired with a .spirit of patriotism, he en- 
listed, November 14, 1S61, as a member of Com- 
pany G, Eighty -second Ohio Infantry, and served 
with that regiment until the close of the war. 
The period of his enlistment was three years, but 
he re-enlisted at the expiration of that time, and 
continued in active service until he was taken 
pri.soner. Among the battles in which he par- 
ticipated were those of Gettysburg, Chaucellors- 
ville, Bull Run, Cro.ss Keys and Peach Tree 
Creek. In the fir.st-named engagement, July i, 
1863, he was .shot through the right hip and was 
taken to a hospital, where he remained until the 
15th of the month. He was then removed to the 
hospital at Ilarrislnirg, where lie was confined a 
couple of months. P'rom there he was taken to 
Columbus, Ohio, where he remained until the 
I.St of December, and then rejoined his regiment 
at the front. In the battle of Bentonville, N. C, 
March 19, 1S65, he was captured by the enemy 
and thrown into Libby Pri.son, but was released 
soon afterward. He was then ordered to Mary- 







loiiN A. k()(;i:rs, m. d. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



275 



land and from there to Columbus, Ohio, where 
he received an honorable discharge June 12, 1865. 

On returning to Marion County, Mr. Miller 
purchased the faim which he now owns, and 
which has been his home ever since. December 
28, 1865, he married Miss Clara Porter, of this 
county, an estimable lady, who was his compan- 
ion and helpmate until her death, June 12, 1SS9, 
at fifty-one years of age. Two sons were born of 
their union, of whom the elder, John Sherman, 
is a farmer of Marion County, and the younger, 
Matthew N., is similarly engaged in Paulding 
County, this state. On the 4th of June, i8go, 
Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Mrs. Ella 
E. (Jones) Clark, of Marion County, and they 
became the parents of two daughters: Lillie D., 
who died in infancy; and Mabel Fern, a bright 
and interesting child. 

Interested in puljlic nuitters, Mr. Miller is a 
stanch Republican in his political views. He has 
served as Asses.5or of his township for two terms, 
and has filled other local offices of trust. Social- 
ly he is a member of Agosta Lodge No. 451, 
I. O. O. F., and the Grand Army Post at Agosta. 
In religious belief he is a Methodist. The valu- 
able property which he has accumulated repre- 
sents the hard toil of many years, and he is just- 
ly worth},- of the high degree of success he has 
gained. 



^^ 



(TOHN A. ROGERS, M. D. In the fall of 
I 1843 Dr. Rogers came to Kenton and opened 
G/ ^u office for the practice of the medical pro- 
fession, becoming the first ph^'sician of the place. 
F'rom that time to this, he has been prominently 
identified with the history of this now thriving 
city, the progress of which he has promoted in 
every way possible. A few years after locating 
here, with the money he had saved meantime, he 
opened a small drug store, and has since conduct- 
ed a remunerative and increasing business, being 
the oldest man in the trade at this point. For 

9 



more than half a century he has resided at No. 
123 North Main Street, where he has a commodi- 
ous and cosey home. 

Born in Greene County, Ohio, February 27, 
1820, Dr. Rogers is the .second son of John Rog- 
ers, who was born in Frederick County, Va., in 
January, ijgCi, and in 18 17 came to Ohio. There 
is no authentic written history of the family, and 
the information herein contained has been hand- 
ed down from one generation to the next orally. 
The grandfather of the Doctor, whose name was 
John Rogers, was born near Winchester, Freder- 
ick County, Va., about the middle of the eight- 
eenth century, on or near tlie place made famous 
by General Sheridan in the Civil War. He was 
a Quaker, and took no active part in the Ameri- 
can Revolution, whether from Tory proclivities 
or religious convictions is not known, though 
probably from the latter, for in all ages the Quak- 
ers have refrained from active participation in 
bloody conflicts. 

Though the genealogy cannot be traced, there 
is little doubt that John Rogers, Sr. , was a direct 
descendant of the martyr of the .same name. 
When the Shenandoah Valley was opened for 
settlement, many of the sturdy- Ciermans from 
Pennsylvania settled there, and from among 
them John Rogers took a wife, in the person of 
Mary Rinker, who was a Lutheran; a prayer- 
book of that faith was in the family of the father 
of Dr. Rogers at one time. The children born to 
John and Mary (Rinker) Rogers were three sons 
and a daughter, Casper, Evan, John and Eliza- 
beth. The two former married and remained 
citizens of Frederick County, Va.; Elizabeth be- 
came the wife of Henry Woolery, and migrated to 
Ohio about 18 16, settling about 1838 in Auglaize 
County, five miles east of Wapakoneta, where a 
number of their descendants still live; they had 
three sons, John, Henry and Rinker. 

The mother of Dr. Rogers was Margaret Her- 
bert, whose father died when she was an infant, 
leaving her mother with two small children and 
no means. She struggled along, supporting 
them as best she could, but she, too, soon died, 
leaving them to the charity of strangers. George 
Herbert, an uncle of our subject, learned the 



276 



PORTRAIT AMD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



blacksmith's trade in early life, and, going to the 
adjoining county of Frederick, started a little 
shop in Gainesboro. Being an unmarried man, 
he sent for his sister to keep house for him, and 
here it was that she became acquainted with our 
subject's father, whom she married in 1817. Her 
brother married Ann McCool, and the two new- 
ly-wedded couples started across the Alleghany 
Mountains for the wilds of Ohio, making the 
journey in an ordinary road wagon. 

Arriving at Brownsville, they took passage on a 
flatboat down the Ohio to West Union, this state, 
and thence with their team traveled to Greene 
County, where they settled and remained two 
j'ears. While residing there, our subject was 
born. Later they moved to Clarke County and 
settled near West Charleston, where they re- 
mained for seven years. Going from there to 
Champaign County, they purchased the farm that 
was their home the remainder of their days. The 
father was engaged as a local Methodist preacher 
throughout much of his life. He was a man ot 
upright character, and his death, in 1849, was 
mourned by a large circle of friends. His wife 
survived him twenty -six years, dying in 1875, 
aged eighty-five years. 

George Herbert, mentioned above, remained in 
Greene County until 1832, when he sold out, in- 
tending to remove to Cass County, Mich. After 
having loaded his household effects in a wagon, 
he and his family started for the house of a neigh- 
bor who was to accompany them, but on the way 
they were stricken with cholera, that .scourged 
the country then. In less than two days he and 
his wife were dead, leaving .seven children: Bev- 
erly, George, Fay, Gabriel, Thomas Mitchell, 
Mary Ann and Deborah. The four eldest sons 
went to Michigan, but a few j-ears later removed 
to Platte County, Mo., where one, Beverly, died. 
George Fay removed to Oregon, and Thomas, at 
last accounts, was in Illinois. The two daughters, 
at the death of their parents, went to live with 
our subject's parents, Imt a few years later joined 
their brothers in the West. Mitchell, the young- 
est of the family, was adopted Ijy William John- 
son, a farmer living three miles soutJieast of Me- 
chanicsburg, ChamiJaigu County, and there he 



remained until eighteen years old, when he start- 
ed out for himself, and was lost track of b>- our 
subject. 

The family of which Dr. Rogers is a member 
consisted of three sons and one daughter. Jacob, 
who was born in 1818, married, in 1841, Nancj- 
Baxter, daughter of Stephen Baxter, of Mechan- 
icsburg, Ohio, but formerly from New England. 
Her mother lived to be more than one hundred 
years old. Jacob removed his family to Edgar 
County, 111., where he still resides. His six chil- 
dren were John, Obed, HoUie, Nelson, Charles 
and William; the latter went to Stevens County, 
Kan., where in 1888 he was elected County Treas- 
urer. Our subject's other brother, Russell Bige- 
low, died at Mechanicsburg, Champaign County. 
The sister, Margaret, married Jacob S. Adams, a 
Methodist minister, now of Delaware, Ohio; she 
died in 1857. 

On the home farm our subject grew to man- 
hood, receiving but a limited common-school ed- 
ucation. Under the careful training of his par- 
ents there was instilled in him that noble trait of 
his Quaker ancestors, honesty, which has been a 
marked characteristic of his whole life. At the 
age of twenty he commenced the studj- of medi- 
cine under Dr. Abner Cheney, of Mechanicsburg, 
Ohio. Three years later he was graduated from 
the Ohio Medical College, and at once located in 
Kenton. 

In the fall of 1S43 Dr. Rogers married Miss 
Clarissa E. Knight, then of Champaign, but for- 
merly of Miami County. Her mother, formerly 
a Miss Rex, first married James Dye, by whom 
she had two sons and a daughter, James H., 
Thomas and Marj-. The first-named. Col. James 
H. Dye, was Lieutenant-Colonel of the Sixty- 
sixth Ohio Infantry during the Civil War. Aft- 
er the death of her husband, Mrs. Dye married 
Mr. Knight, becoming by that union the mother 
of two .sons and two daughters. Widowed a sec- 
ond time, she afterwards was married to Stephen 
Dye, a brother of her first husband. Her death 
occurred about 1841. 

Dr. and Mrs. Rogers had three children, Er- 
nest, Eugene and Kate. Ernest died in 1862; 
Eugene, who is unmarried, resides in Kenton 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



277 



with his father: Kate is the wife of Thomas J. 
Caiitwcll, one of the leading business men of 
Kenton. The mother of this family died in 1857, 
and in 185S the Doctor married Ann Elizabeth, 
eldest daughter of Walter and Mary (Nesbett) 
King, the former a native of Staffonl, Va., and 
the latter of Maryland. By this union the Doc- 
tor has three daughters, namely: Mary Belle 
and Margaret, who are at home: and Clara, who 
in March, 1891, married Capt. P. A. Campbell, 
of the Ohio National Guards, and son of William 
Campbell, the extensive stave manufacturer, with 
whom he is associated in business. 

Aside from his business enterprises. Dr. Rog- 
ers is a stockholder and Director of the Kenton 
Gas and Electric Company. In 1848 he, with 
several others, organized the Latham Masonic 
Lodge No. 154 of Kenton, of which he is the last 
surviving charter member, and in which he has 
filled all the offices. Helms been a Mason since 
Ajiril, 1844. Politically he was first a Whig, 
and since the organization of the Republican par- 
ty has been identified with that organization, 
but has never .sought nor been willing to accept 
public offices. 



""MANUEL HATFIELD, one of the wdl-to- 
^ do farmers of Hardin County, has a fine 
__ estate located on section 17, Roundhead 
Township, and for several years has been num- 
bered among the substantial agriculturists of this 
locality. He is practical and industrious in the 
pursuit of his chosen vocation, and has brought 
his farm under good cultivation and improve- 
ment. 

A native of Carroll County, Ohio, Mr. Hat- 
field was born March 11, 1838, to John and Sal- 
lie (Hites) Hatfield, natives of Maryland. The 
parents came to this .state about 1833, choosing 
Carroll County as their home. There the father 
farmed rented land until 1840, the year in which 
he came to Hardin County, when he made his 



home in McDonald Township. His circum- 
stances were such at this time that he was enabled 
to purchase sixty-two acres of wild land, on which 
his first duty was to erect a cabin for his family. 
He next set himself about the task of clearing 
the land, on which he made his home for twenty 
years. He then sold out, but continued to reside 
in that township during the remainder of his life, 
passing away in 1858. His wife preceded him to 
the land beyond. John Hatfield was a Whig in 
politics, and a member of the Lutheran Church. 

The original of this sketch was married, March 
I, 1866, in McDonald Township, to Miss Lydia 
E., daughter of R. A. Poe. She was born in Oc- 
tober, 1846, in McDonald Township, and by her 
union with Emanuel Hatfield became the mother 
of four children. Of these, John F. was born De- 
cember 28, 1S66. He married Catherine Loomis, 
and has two children. Rue E. and Herald E. The 
next child died in infancy. William Howard and 
Elisha Estella ( twins ) died at the age of about 
four months. 

After being deprived of liolh father and mother, 
our subject was compelled to look out for himself, 
and until 1861 worked at various places, receiv- 
ing at first only $9 per month. On the call for 
volunteers to enter the Union service he promptly 
responded and was mustered into Company A, 
Eightj'-second Ohio Infantry, serving under Cap- 
tain Thompson. The regiment was soon after- 
ward ordered to Maryland and was transported 
to Grafton, that state, by train. He fir.st saw the 
smoke of battle at McDowell, and the next en- 
gagement in which he participated was Cross 
Keys, which was followed by the second battle of 
Bull Run, Chancellor.sville and Gettysburg. After 
the last conflict the Eighty-.second was ordered to 
Chattanooga, Tenn., where occurred the battle 
of Lookout Mountain. After this they joined 
Sherman on his march to the sea, fighting at 
Buzzard's Roost, Bentonville ( N. C. ) , and at va- 
rious other places. Although in the service for 
three years and nine months, Mr. Hatfield was 
never taken prisoner. He was discharged at 
Louisville, Ky., July 17, 1865, and, returning to 
this county, began farming in McDonald Town- 
ship. 



278 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



The first property which our subject ever 
owned consisted of forty acres of wild land. This 
he later traded for a tract of thirtj^ acres lying in 
the same township, on whicli he moved. To this 
he added at one time thirlj-'four acres and at an- 
other a tract of fifty acres, making in all one hun- 
dred and fourteen acres. Of this he cleared and 
improved fiftj' acres, and in iS8i sold it and re- 
moved to Roundhead Township, becoming the 
owner of one hundred finely improved acres lying 
on section 17. 

Mr. Hatfield is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and is active in all good works 
in his neighborhood. He is a Republican in pol- 
itics, and aside from .serving as Supervisor of his 
township has never held office. He is greatly 
interested in the cause of education in his district, 
as his own advantages were limited for attending 
school, and it is his desire that the children of the 
present day, especially of his locality, may be af- 
forded every means for being intelligent citizens. 






EIIARLI-.S WIvSIJCY RUNSIvR, one of the 
leading grain and .stock raisers of Hardin 
County, is the owner of a finely cultivated 
homestead on section 2, Marion Township, con- 
taining one hundred and eighty acres. His birth 
occurred in Massillon, vStark County, Ohio, Jan- 
uary 9, 1843. 

Our subject is the son of Andrew and Cather- 
ine (Cowen) Runser, both of whom were born in 
Alsace, France, and of whom a full hi.story will 
appear on another page, under the name of An- 
drew Riui.ser. Charles W. was about four years 
of age when Ills parents moved to Peinisylvania, 
and, settling at Sliaron, he there attended school 
for about two years. At the end of that time an- 
other cliange was made. This time the family 
located in Hardin County, where he continued his 
studies until attaining his twentieth year, a part 



of the time attending the excellent schools of Ada. 

Charles Wesley continued to make his home 
with his parents, aiding in the farm work, until 
four j-ears after attaining his majority, when he 
was married and began farming on his own ac- 
count on a tract of seventy-two acres which had 
been given him bj' his father. The latter was a 
large land-owner of this township, having at one 
time five hundred and fifty broad acres. This he 
accunuilated with the intention of helping his 
sons and daughters to a start in life, and was the 
means of their all becoming well-to-do financially. 
We must not neglect to say that prior to estab- 
li.shing a home of his own, our subject taught 
three terms of school in his di.strict, and also 
bought and .sold cattle and farm machinery. 

Four acres out of the seventy-two acre tract had 
been cleared when our subject located upon it, 
but before giving his attention to cultivating the 
.soil he made it his first duty to build a house. 
This by his efforts was made as commodious and 
coinfortable as po.ssible and served as a shelter 
for the family for a number of years. Mr. Run- 
ser is a practical farmer, and by the intelligent 
manner in which he carried on his estate pros- 
pered and later added thereto one hundred and 
ten acres, so that he is now the owner of a tract 
of one hundred and eighty two acres. The little 
frame house above referred to has long since 
given way to a larger and more conveniently ar- 
ranged residence, and Mr. Runser bears the dis- 
tinction of having the largest barn in the county. 

Our subject was married at Rantoul, Cham- 
paign County, III., October 30, 1867, to Miss 
Martha Lawrence, who was born at Beaver, Pa., 
June 6, 1842. She was the daughter of John 
Lawrence, who was also a native of that state. 
To them have been born five children. Clarence 
D. is married and lives on a farm in Liberty 
Township; William W. is attending school at 
Ada; Clement C, Roscoe and John F'ranklin are 
at home. Mr. and Mrs. Runser are both mem- 
bers of the Methodist F^piscopal Church at Hunt- 
ersville. In politics the former is a stanch Re- 
publican. He ser\'ed for some eighteen years as 
Ju.stice of the Peace, for six years was County 
Commissioner, and has also been Clerk of the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



279 



township. His interest in educational affairs led 
him to be placed on the board, and in the capac- 
ity of Director he rendered efficient service for 
several terms. Several brothers of Mrs. Run- 
ser were soldiers in the War of the Rebellion. 



w^m^^m^M: 



pCjARREN G. HARDING, editor and propri- 
lAl t-tor of the Marion Z>rt//i' and ]lW/.'/y S/ar, 
YY was born in Blooming Grove, Morrow 
County, Ohio, November 2, 1865. His father, 
Dr. G. Tryon Harding, a leading physician of 
Marion, was born in Morrow County in 1843, 
and was a son of Charles A. , a native of Wyoming 
County, Pa., who came to Ohio about 1830, in 
company with his father, Tryon Harding. The 
latter was a direct descendant of a noted Gover- 
nor of Connecticut. 

In 1864 Dr. Harding married Miss Phcebe 
Elizabeth Dicker.son, who was born in 1S43, the 
youngest of eight sisters. A peculiar fact in this 
connection is that the Doctor was an only son 
and had eight sisters, while his wife was one of 
eight sisters and had one brother. In 1871 our 
subject accompanied his parents to the eastern 
part of Marion County, and received his primary 
education in the village school. In 1882 he was 
graduated from the Ohio Central College with 
the degree of B. S., and then took up the study 
of law, through which he drifted itito the insur- 
ance business. 

The first newspaper work done by Mr. Hard- 
ing was during his collegiate course, when he 
was editor of the Spectator, the college journal. 
While thus engaged he displayed natural ability 
for that class of work, and also developed a lik- 
ing for journalism. In the summer of 1884 he 
became city editor of the Marion Mirror, and in 
November of the same year he bought the Ma- 
rion Daily Star, a paper wholly destitute of rep- 
utation or circulation. Though without any 
means of his own, he set about the task of build- 
ing up the paper, and this he did with a deter- 



mination that knew no opposition. In 1885 he 
established the Weekly Star in connection with 
the daily, and it was not lung before he became 
an important factor in the newspaper business in 
Marion County. From the first he prospered, 
and now has one of the largest and be.st equipped 
offices in central Ohio. He occupies his own 
building, all of which is devoted to the publi.sh- 
ing business. 

In the political affairs of Marion County Mr. 
Harding is no unimportant factor. Ever true to 
the principles of the Republican party, he up- 
holds its candidates and measures on all occa- 
sions. July 8, 1891, he married Florence, eldest 
child and only daughter of Hon. Amos H. Kling, 
an accomplished young lady, who assists him 
very materially in the management of his paper 
and shares with him the esteem of the best people 
of the city. 



<)C+++******±±±^***********+>0 



0ANIEI. B. CLIFFE, D. V. S., one of the 
leading veterinary surgeons of Marion Coun- 
ty, and a jirominent citizen of Scott Town 
(Cochranton Postoffice ), is a native of Ohio, and 
was born in Ashland Comity, March 6, 1859. He 
is the second among twelve children coinpri.sing 
the family of Joseph C. and Adassa (Kidwell) 
Cliffe, both natives of Ohio. \'ery early in life he 
began to earn his own living, starting at the age 
when mo.st boys are attending school. His edu- 
cational advantages v^'ere very meager, but he 
availed him.self to the utmost of such opportuni- 
ties as came to him, and through reading and ob- 
servation, rather than from definite training, he 
has become well informed upon topics of histori- 
cal, general and local interest. 

As far back as he can remember, our subject 
has had a great fondness for honses, and having 
made a study of the animal, he is particularly 
well posted concerning the treatment of diseases 
peculiar to it. When only eleven years of age he 
began to ride race-horses and soon became an ex- 



28o 



PORTRAIT AND lUOGRAl'lIICAL RECORD. 



pert in their management. The summer months 
were thus employed, while during the winter he 
attended the common schools. At the age of 
eighteen he began to drive trotting and pacing 
horses, and soon established a wide reputation as 
a trainer and driver. 

In order that he might be even more success- 
ful in his work, our subject studied veterinary 
surgerj' under the preccptorship of his brother, 
and afterward took a course of lectures at the 
Toronto Veterinary School of Toronto, Canada. 
In the spring of 1892 he was graduated from the 
Ohio \'eterinary College at Cincinnati, and at 
once located in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, where he 
practiced his profession for a short time. From 
that place he removed to Scott Town, Marion 
County, where he has gained a good reputation 
for .skill in the profession. 

Though his residence in Marion County covers 
a comparatively brief period oidy, Dr. Cliffe is 
well known in the village where he resides, and 
also through the surrounding country. He has 
given considerable attention to the great questions 
before the people to-day, and, being an advocate 
of free trade, naturally supports the men and 
measures of the Democratic party. Should he be 
called to official positions, he would without 
doubt give to them the .same thoughtful consider- 
ation and judicious management that he gives to 
his j)rivate affairs. Fraternally the Doctor be- 
longs to Chapter No. 463. F. & A. M., at Larue. 



I OUIS SPIIiCE, a general farmer and stock- 
jiL raiser of Marion County, owns an improved 
U farm on .section 28, Tully Township. Polit- 
ically he is a Democrat, and though not de.sirous 
of holding public positions, as he finds his time 
fully occupied in looking after his business inter- 
ests, he once officiated as Township Trustee, dis- 
charging his duties with zeal and faithfulness. 
The father of our subject, Jacob Spiece, was 



born in Prussia, Germany, October 18, 1806, and 
on reaching his majority entered the army, in 
which he served for three j-ears. He later 
learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed to 
a greater or less extent from that time forward. 
In 1830 was celebrated his marriage, and about 
ten years later he emigrated with his family to the 
United States. The_\- were tossed to and fro in a 
-sailing-ve.ssel ior eleven weeks, but at length 
reached Baltimore and continued their journey to 
Crawford County, Ohio. For a few years the fa- 
ther engaged in farming there, but in 1847 came 
to this county and bought a farm. Subsequently 
he became the owner of the homestead which his 
son Louis now operates, and which has one hun- 
dred and twenty acres within its boundaries. 

Jacob Spiece was twice married, his fir.st wife 
being Mi.ss Krau.skopf, who bore him eight chil- 
dren, as follows: Henry, now deceased; Charlie; 
Elizabeth, Mrs. Jacob Newman; Louis, our sub- 
ject; Mary, wife of August Schneider; Peter, who 
died at the age of eleven years; Lucinda, now de- 
ceased, but who was formerly the wife of Henry 
Christman; and Jacob. The mother departed 
this life in 1844, and some years later Mr. Spiece 
married Pliiloepeiia Weaver. They had two chil- 
dren. Maggie died in infancy; and Minnie and her 
husband, William Herr, live on the home farm. 

The birth of Louis Spiece occurred in Crawford 
County, this state, November 20, 1843. He con- 
tinued to dwell with his parents until shortly be- 
fore he reached his majority. For five years he 
worked at the carpenter's trade, after which he 
carried on a rented farm for six years. In 1878 
he bought sixty-four acres in Tully Township, 
and has since devoted his time to its develop- 
ment and cultivation. He received a good edu- 
cation, and has always been interested in school 
affiiirs, using his influence in favor of better fa- 
cilities in this direction for the rising generation. 

February 4, 1872, our subject married Melis.sa 
Coulter, who was born in Crawford County, Oc- 
tober 9, 1 85 1, and has been summoned to 
the better land. She became the mother of 
three children, namely: Annie M., born No- 
vember 29, 1872; Harvey, June 2, 1882; and 
Nettie, January 21, 1885. Mr. Spiece, who is 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



281 



one of the pillars and active members of the Ger- 
man Reformed Church, has been a Deacon in the 
congregation for eleven years and is now one of 
the Elders. He possesses an enviable reputation 
for uprightness of word and deed, and is well 
liked by those who know him. 



'J^C^ 



NENRY YOUNG, one of the prominent bus- 
iness men of Ada, is the fortunate possessor 
of a beautiful home in the heart of the vil- 
lage, surrounded by four or five acres of land. 
Though he is one of the solid men back of the 
Ada Bank, being a stockholder and director, he 
gives the business little attention, preferring to 
devote his time to floriculture. 

Henry Young was born near Ft. Wayne, Ind., 
February' 9, 1840, and is a son of George Jacob 
Young, a native of Germany. He was a soldier 
in the German ami}- for six years, serving luider 
Wellington at the battle of Waterloo. By trade 
he was a locksmith, and followed that occupation 
after coming to the United States, in Stark Coun- 
ty, Ohio, where he first settled. Later he entered 
land in Indiana, near Ft. Wayne, and there spent 
the rest of his life. His wife bore the maiden 
name of Anna M. Stuyp. She survived him a 
number of years, dj-ing in Ada. She became 
the mother of eleven children, of whom we make 
the following mention: Elizabeth, who is now in 
her seventieth year, married a Mr. Butler, and 
resides near Ft. Wayne; Jacob died at Denver, 
Colo.; Stephen lives at Ft. Wayne; Christian is 
one of the wealthj' men of this place; and Will- 
iam, the youngest of the family, died in Ada, in 
1888. 

The early education of Henrj' Young was rather 
limited and, not being satisfied with ordinary ad- 
vantages, he spent two terms in the Ada Normal. 
Since then he has been a great student, and has 
frequently imperiled his health in his search after 
knowledge. Years ago he began to form a libra- 
rv, and has contiiuied to make additions to it ever 



since. He is versed in the wisdom of all the 
great philosophers and thinkers, being a believer 
in the doctrines set forth by Darwin and Paine, 
and he is an evolutionist in the strictest sense 
of the word. He is liberal in his donations 
to churches and benevolences which he judges to 
be worthy, and no poor person, in need of a little 
timely assistance, is turned from his door empty- 
handed. 

In 1863 Mr. Young came to Ada, and in com- 
pany with his brother engaged in the milling 
business. Afterwards he became interested in 
the lumber trade, but in 1.S75 he retired from the 
connnercial world that he might pursue his favor- 
ite studies luiinterruptedh-. 

vS(.)cially Mr. Young is a very firm friend of 
ALisonr\'. He has made an esjiecial stmh' of the 
origin and growth of the order, and few men in 
the state are better posted than he on everything 
pertaining to the subject. He deposits his ballots 
in favor of Republican nominees and measures. 
The lady who presides over his home with tact 
and grace was formerly Mi.ss Ennna Deiffenderfer, 
a descendant of a respected German family of 
Pennsylvania. 



SEN. T. EVIvRIiTT, one of the most influ- 
ential and worthy citizens of Marion Coun- 
ty, is engaged in agricultural pursuits on 
section 21, Grand Town.ship. Few men in this 
localit}- are better known or more sincerely es- 
teemed by one and all, for he has always had its 
welfare deeply at heart. 

Our subject is a native of this county, and was 
born in Big Island Township, March 10, 1S49. 
He was the third in order of birth of the family of 
.seven children born to William and FUecta L. 
(Lewis) Everett. The father was born in Mus- 
kingum County, this state, and was a lad of ten 
years at the time of his parents' removal to Ma- 
rion County. They entered land in Big Island 
Township, and were among the first to locate 



282 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



there. This was about 1820, when the country 
was inhabited by Indians, who oftentimes asked 
for shelter and food, and many times proved verj' 
troublesome to the pioneers. William Everett 
passed the remainder of his life in this county, 
dying when in his sixty-third year. He was in 
early life a Whig, then an Abolitionist, but after 
the fonriation of the Republican party he joined 
its ranks, and was one of its influential advocates 
in his township. He was fairly well educated, 
and kept himself informed on all the leading 
questions of the day. His success in life was due 
to his energ}- and indu.strious efforts, and at his 
death he left his family well jjrovided for. His 
father was born in Vermont, and served as a soldier 
during the War of 18 12, while the great-grand- 
mother of our subject was a native of Germany. 
Mrs. Electa Everett was born near Albany, N. Y., 
in 1822, and is now in her seventy- fourth year. 
She makes her home on the old place in Big Is- 
land Township, in which .section her parents were 
among the first .settlers. 

The subject of this sketch remained at home 
until attaining his majority, with the exception 
of the time spent in pursuing his .studies in the 
Hillsdale College, at Hillsdale, Mich. He was 
married, November 16, 1871, to Mi.ss Sarah E., 
daughter of Nehemiah and Mary Aim (Smith) 
Davis. The father of Mrs. Everett was born in 
Washington County, Ohio, from which place he 
was brought to Marion County by his parents 
when a lad of thirteen years. They chose a loca- 
tion in Grand Township, and here Mr. Davis was 
reared and pa.ssed the remaining years of his life. 
His wife is now seventy-four years of age, and is 
living with her daughter, the wife of our .subject. 
Mr. Davis started out iti life a poor boy, but .so 
prosperous was he in his agricultural pursuits 
that at the time of his demise he left his family an 
estate comprising over nine hundred acres of some 
of the most valuable land in the county. He 
never identified himself with any church organ- 
ization, but always lived according to his inter- 
pretation of the Golden Rule, and was beloved 
and respected by all who knew him. He died 
December 9, i8qi. 

After his marriage, our subject reiUed a tract of 



land for one season in Salt Rock Township, and 

the following year went to Wyandot County, this 
state. He subsequently engaged in the livery 
business at Sandusky, and five years later re- 
turned to Marion Count}-, renting land in Salt 
Rock Township until 1891, the year in which he 
took po.ssession of his present valuable estate. It 
is two hundred and fifty acres in extent, and be- 
sides raising a goodlj' amount of grain, he gives 
considerable attention to breeding fine sheep. 

Our subject is an active Republican in politics, 
and on one occasion was the candidate of his party 
for the office of County Commissioner, but was 
defeated by a small majority. He has been Jus- 
tice of the Peace for six years, and during his in- 
cumbency of the office commanded the respect of 
all who had dealings with him. He is not con- 
nected with any church organization, but believes 
that with justice in the right hand and sincerity 
in the left he will meet the approbation of the 
Creator. However, he contributes liberally toward 
the support of the churches in his vicinity. 



i>^^<m 



/^EORGE CICSSNA was actively identified 
l_ with the welfare of Cessna Town.ship, Har- 
■ ^_J din Coiinty, from his early years until death 
put an end to his labors, April 29, 1890. From 
1876 he lived on a good farm comprising one 
hundred and sixty acres situated on .section 14, 
Cessna Township. 

The birth of our subject occurred in Holmes 
County, Ohio, March 30, 1828, his parents being 
William and Keziah (Davis) Cessna. He received 
a good common-.school education and practical 
equipment for the duties of life, and soon gave 
evidence of the superior business ability with 
which nature had endowed him. When he was 
about twenty-two years of age he went to Iowa, 
where he worked on a farm for a couple of years. 
Coming back to Hardin County, he remained here 
for a time, and then went overland to California, 
where he engaged in mining and prospecting. 




ClvORCIv \V. AkMSTKONG. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



28.S 



On his return, about i860, he invested his sav- 
ings in a tract of eighty acres, lying on section 2, 
and cultivated the same until 1876, when he pur- 
chased the home place, where his widow now re- 
sides. 

December 28, 1S52, George Cessna married 
Jemima Beeni, by whom he had two children: 
Keel, who is now living in Union County, Ohio; 
and James W., who lives in Kingman, Kan. 
January 4, 1S63, Mr. Cessna wedded Katherine 
Kibler, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born 
April 20, 1837, and a daughter of John and Mary 
Kibler. Three children came to grace the mar- 
riage of our subject and his second wife: John G. , 
a farmer of this township; Joseph H., also a 
farmer near the old homestead; and Roy M., who 
lives with his mother on the old farm. 

A man who was mainly self-made, both as re- 
gards education and wealth, Mr. Cessna was al- 
ways in favor of progressive ideas along all lines 
of human activity, and was not sparing of his 
means when his fellows might be benefited there- 
by. Politically he was a Republican. He held 
the offices of School Director and Supervi.sor. In 
the Methodist Church, to which he belonged, he 
was a Class-Leader and Steward at various times. 
When he was gathered to his fathers at the close 
of a useful and happy life, he was tenderly placed 
to await the last trumpet-call in Salem Cemetery. 



/JJEORGE WASHINGTON ARMSTRONG 
|__ makes his home on his farm situated on .sec- 
\^ tion 8, Goshen Township, Hardin County. 
The place comprises one hundred and sixt}- acres, 
one hundred of which, formerly covered with 
heavy timber, were cleared by him. There" are 
several miles of tiling on the homestead, which 
is also improved with good buildings, fences, etc. 
The owner is a practical business man and thor- 
oughly understands agriculture. He has served 
as Township Assessor, Land Appraiser and 
Countv Recorder. To the last-named office he 



was elected in 1874, on the Democratic ticket, and 
was re-elected, serving six years altogether. 

The eldest in his father's family, G. W. Arm- 
strong was born in Richland County, Ohio, Oc- 
tober 7, 1 83 1. He was five years of age on 
coming to this county, and continued to live with 
his father until reaching his majority. He ob- 
tained what education it was possible to acquire 
in the district .schools of that day, and subse- 
quently he taught in the local schools for eight 
terms. He was an exjiert in mathematics, and 
was a champion in the spelling-.schoolsof the dis- 
trict. When a lad of seven or eight years he was 
chosen first liy the captain of one side and then 
the other, and it was not a rare occurrence that 
he came out ahead of all participating. 

April 13, 1854, Air. Armstrong and Rachel 
Baker were uinted in marriage. She is the 
daughter of Morris and Mary (Campbell) Baker, 
and sister of James M. Baker, of this township. 
The young couple settled on the old homestead 
of eighty acres, on which they now live, and 
which was valued at $500, Mr. Arm.strong paying 
down $100, and agreeing to meet the balance of 
the amount by teaching. He put up a log cabin, 
which is still in a good state of preservation, and 
this was their home for a number of years. 
During the winter season he taught .school, re- 
ceiving in payment from $14 to $18 a month and 
board. During the summer he worked indus- 
triously at clearing his farm and in raising crops. 
This farm he continued to operate until 1874, 
wlien he moved to Kenton to fill the office of 
County Recorder, and there he made his home 
for the next six years. The following six years 
he had no .special business aside from the super- 
vision of his farm. In 1886 he returned to the 
homestead where he is still living, engaged in 
carrying on his farm. 

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong has 
been blessed with eight children. Thomas J., 
who has been a successful teacher, is now a farm- 
er in Putnam County, Ohio; Morris B. is named 
in honor of his grandfather, and is a farmer of 
McDonald Township, on the old Scioto Marsh, 
in this county; 0,scar N., an agriculturist of 
this township, served for one term as Deputy 



286 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



under Sheriff Neville; Mary M. is the wife of 
Curtis Emmous, a farmer of this township; Will- 
iam J., a graduate of the Kenton High School 
and of the Delaware (Ohio) College, is now an 
employe of the Champion Iron Compan)- at Ken- 
ton; Ruth A. married Frank Barrett, owner of a 
farm and sawmill in this township; Fannie and 
Frank are twins. Fannie is the wife of David 
T. Emmons, a brother of Curtis Emmons; and 
Frank has followed the teacher's profession for 
several years. 

About 1872 G. \V. Armstrong met with a very 
severe accident, while stepping from the train at 
Carey, Ohio, at dusk. He slipped and his right 
foot was crushed bj^ the carw-heel to such an ex- 
tent that amputation was neces.sary. The Arm- 
strong family are members of the Church of 
Christ in Kenton, and take great interest in its 
various departments of usefulness and activity. 

A life-long Democrat, Mr. Armstrong has long 
been recognized as one of the leading men of his 
jiarty in Hardin County. In the fall of 1874 he 
wai a candidate for the office of County Recorder, 
being elected by a handsome majority, and in 
1877 was re-elected, holding the office six years. 
This fact alone attests his popularity among his 
fellow-citizens. 

The father of G. W. Armstrong, who bore the 
Christian name of Thomas, was one of the pio- 
neers of this township. He was born in West- 
moreland County, Pa., June 14, 1804, to William 
and Ann (McQuown) Armstrong. About 1820 
Thomas Arm.strong settled in Richland County, 
Ohio, and there married a distant relative of his 
mother's, Margaret McQuown, in 1830. To 
them were born three children: G. W. ; Eugenia, 
Mrs. Elias McPeek, of Van Wert County, Ohio; 
and Margaret Jane, who died in the fall of 1861. 

Thomas Arm.strong was a man of exceptional 
intelligence, and had been well educated. He 
was thoroughly versed in Greek and Latin, and 
was a good mathematician, besides being well 
posted on questions of general interest. He also 
knew something about surveying, and was once a 
candidate on the Democratic ticket for the county 
office. Though he had uever been engaged in 
active practice, he had studied medicine and was 



much better qualified to put his knowledge into 

use than were many of the pioneer phy.sicians of 
that daj'. 

After improving a farm in Richland County, 
Thomas Armstrong .started to seek a new home, 
driving through W)-andot and finally coming to 
this covuity. One mile east of the eastern line of 
Hardin County, he bought a tract of new land, 
about eighty acres. A few of his neighbors had 
located here two or three years pre\'iously, but 
he was among the first to make a permanent 
home in that .section. One Thomas Shanks took 
up land about 1832, and his home was the head- 
quarters for all pro.spective settlers. Alexander 
Pool, Robert Loughrey, Samuel Crawson, Will- 
iam Baker and David McQuown came prior to 
1836, and the only representative of these fami- 
lies here at this writing is James B. Pool, who is 
still living on his father's farm. At one time 
during his early residence here Thomas Arm- 
strong served as Township Treasurer. He lived 
on his fir.st farm for twenty-.six years, but from 
1862 until his death, which occurred September 
7, 1 888, he made his home on the farm of his 
son, G. W. Until his last years he was well 
presen'ed, and on his eightieth birthday' planted 
corn. Three years before his demise he was 
.stricken with paralysis, but lived to .see his eighty- 
fourth birthday. His wife departed this life Feb- 
ruary 13, 1892, aged eighty-two years. 



v @^ .^^^^. _^ 



ILLIAM OIILliR, one of the successful 
farmers of Hardin Countj-, and the owner 
of a valuable estate on section 29, Round- 
head Township, w^as born in Richland County, 
Ohio, June 17, 183 1. His parents, John and 
Hannah Ohler, natives of Peini.sylvania, came to 
Ohio in 1830 and settled in Richland County, 
where the father worked at the trade of cabinet- 
making for six years in Monroe Township. In 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



287 



1837 he removed to Allen County, and, purchas- 
ing forty acres of unimproved land, gave his at- 
tention to its cultivation until his death, ten years 
later. His widow is still living. Politically he 
was a Democrat, a loyal supporter of his party's 
platform throughout life. In religious faith he 
was a lyUtheran. 

The parental family consisted of nine children, 
one of whom died in infancy. The others are as 
follows: Elizabeth, deceased; William, of this 
sketch; Andrew, who married Laura Mitz, and 
lives in Auglaize Cnunty, this state; Arbana, 
wife of Milton Tarn, also of Auglaize County; 
Elizabeth; John, who was killed by a falling tree 
in 1877; Margaret; and Isaiah, who is married 
and lives on a farm in Auglaize County. 

June II, 1855, William Ohler and Miss Martha 
E. Lusk were united in marriage. Mrs. Ohler 
was born in October, 1835, and is one of five 
children comprising the family of Benjamin and 
Anna Lusk, natives of Virginia. Nine children 
were born to bless their union, of whom the two 
eldest, John and Lafayette, are deceased; James 
Oswell is a prominent attorney of Lima, Ohio; 
Anna is the wife of W. J. Zimmerman, a farmer 
of Roundhead Township; Marion married May 
Davidson, and lives upon a farm in Marion Town- 
ship; Elizabeth is the wife of Edward McClund, 
of Roundhead Township; William married Em- 
ma Jones, and cultivates a farm in this town.ship; 
Ida, who for three terms was a student in the 
Normal LTniversity at Ada, Ohio, is an accom- 
plished young lady, and has taught .school for 
three years, meeting with success in that profes- 
sion; and Floyd, the youngest of the family, re- 
sides with his parents. 

From an early age our subject was obliged 
not only to support him.self, but also to assist in 
the maintenance of the family, whom his father's 
death had left in poor circumstances. For a time 
he rented land in Union Township, Auglaize 
County, remaining there about eight years. On 
coming to Hardin County, he leased a farm, op- 
erating rented land in Roundhead Township for 
a period of thirteen years. In the spring of 1863 
he bought one hundred and twenty-one acres on 
.section 29, and here he resided until April, 1895, 



at which time he removed to Kenton, where he 
owns a large, handsome residence on Franklin 
Street. At the time he purcha.sed his farm there 
was an old house on the place, which, aside from 
a few acres which had been cleared of timber, 
was the only improvement it bore. He moved 
his family into the house, and at once began the 
task of cultivating the land. vSnccess rewarded 
his efforts from the first, and somewhat later he 
was enal)Ied to add forty eight acres to his origi- 
nal tract, making a total acreage of one hundred 
and sixl\-niiie. Of tliis tract, one hundred and 
fift\-five acres were placed under culti\-alion, and 
the larger part of the land luul been tiled, thus 
increasing its value. In addition to general farm 
work, he also j)aid S(.ime altenlion to stock-rais- 
ing and had upon his place a number of fine 
horses and cattle. 

In his religions belief Mr. Ohler is actively 
identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
He is a Democrat in politics, and may always be 
depended upon to support party candidates and 
principles. His education was exceedingly lim- 
ited. The nearest school was three miles from 
his father's farm, and he was obliged to walk the 
entire distance. The building itself was a prim- 
itive affair, constructed of logs and furnished with 
hewed-log benches; light was admitted through 
holes in the walls, over which greased paper had 
Ijeen placed. Though his advantages were few, 
yet he has achieved more than ordinary success, 
and is now the owner of as fine a fiirm as may be 
seen for miles around. 



. UGENE S. ARNOLD. Just six years ago 
^ this ambitious 3'oung man embarked upon 
^ the perilous waters of journalism, then to 
him an untried sea, and nobly has he succeeded. 
At that time he became part owner and editor 
of the SfaftdarJ. pul)li.slied at Dunkirk, Hardin 
Coiuit\-, and in no way does the paper belie its 



288 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



name. It is kept up to a high standard of excel- 
lence, is ably conducted, and strives ever to ad- 
vance the best interests of this communitj-. 

Our subject was born on a farm in Wayne 
County, Ohio, Januarj- ii, 1855, about six miles 
from the pretty town of Wooster. His father, 
J. P. Arnold, was a native of the same locality, 
his birth having occurred on a farm a mile away 
from the one on which our subject was born. 
The grandfather was also a native of Waj-ne 
County, whither his father had gone at a very 
early day from Peinisylvania. Grandfather Ar- 
nold, his wife and several children all died of tj'- 
phoid fever in the same year. J. P. Arnold was 
in the Union service during the late war, as was 
also his brother George, who died at Clarksville, 
Tenn., his life a sacrifice to his country. The 
mother of E. S. Arnold, who bore the maiden 
name of Melinda Smith, is also a native of Wayne 
County, and is a daughter of P. P. Smith, one 
of the early settlers in that section. His brother, 
N. W. Smith, who was a wealthy and very phil- 
anthropic man, was one of the founders of Woos- 
ter University, remaining on the Board of Direc- 
tors up to the time of his death. He served as 
one of the bojs who wore the blue in the War of 
the Rebellion. 

The boyhood of Mr. Arnold was passed on his 
father's farm in Wayne County, his education 
being such as might be gleaned in the district 
schools. His higher studies were pursued at Ver- 
million In.stitute of Haj'esville, Ohio, after which 
he began clerking in a drug store in that town, 
remaining in that capacity for eight years. April 
I, 1889, he and his brother, H. H., entered into 
partnership and bought out the former propri- 
etors of tlie i>7<7;/(/a;v/. January- i, 1891, Mr. Ar- 
nold purchased his brother's interest, and has 
since been sole manager of the paper. He pos- 
ses.ses superior business ability, and rapidly made 
his journal a power in the connnunity. The cur- 
rent events of the day are presented in a clear 
and forciV)le manner, and on political questions 
the organ is unbiased and independent. 

Mr. Arnold has never married, and still makes 
his home with his parents, who are now living 
in Dunkirk. He watches over their welfare with 



dutiful and afiFectionate care, trying to smooth the 
pathway of their declining years. He is popular 
with all the foremost citizens of this countj-, and 
stands well among the members of his profession. 



1(g). ^AJs_ _^ 



y yi ARCIvLLUS S. WOODARD. Seven miles 
y north of the city of Kenton lies a finely 
(3 improved farm, which is known for miles 
around as one of the best in Hardin County. It 
consists of two hundred and fifty acres, situated 
on section 36, Jackson Township. Through an 
excellent system of tiling, ditching and piking, 
the land has been brought under a high state of 
cultivation, and the value of the property greptly 
increased. Upon coming herein 1870, Mr. Wood- 
ard first made his home in a log cabin. The 
land was low and swampy, but as the place under 
his skillful guidance rapidly developed into cleared 
and cultivated land, yielding abundant harvests, 
all the surroundings underwent a transformation, 
the result of hard and patient toil. The farm is 
improved with attractive and substantial build- 
ings, plainly attesting the prosperity of the owner. 

Born in the Wyoming Valley, N. Y., March 7, 
1834, our subject is the son of John and Aurela 
(Mann) Woodard. His parents removed from 
New York to Pennsylvania, thence came to Ohio 
and settled in Kenton, Hardin County, when 
Marcellus S. was a lad of fifteen. After a short 
sojourn in the city, they moved to the old Mc- 
Elree Farm in Jackson Township. When the 
war closed, the parents went to Michigan, and 
the father died in Montcalm County in August, 
1894, aged eighty-three years. The widowed 
mother still makes her home in that county. 

March 3, 1859, in Pleasant Township, Hardin 
County, Marcellus S. Woodard was united in 
marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John 
and Su.san (Pever) Gardner, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania and Maryland, respective!}'. Mr. Gardner 



PORTRAIT AND lilOORAPIIICAL RECORD. 



removed from Richland to Hardin County in 
1833, and settled in Pleasant Township, two 
miles north of Kenton. There his first wife, 
Sarah Williamson, died. Later he married Miss 
Pever, who had accompanied her parents from 
Maryland to Hardin County in her girlhood. He 
devoted his attention to the improvement of his 
farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and there 
he continued to reside until his death in 1864, at 
the age of about seventy-five. His wife survived 
a number of years, dying in 1877. 

For .some time Mr. Woodard owned and con- 
ducted a factory in Kenton, engaging in the man- 
ufacture of rakes, brooms, etc. In 1864 he went 
to Cincinnati and enlisted in the United States 
service with a company from Kenton. Proceed- 
ing down the Mississippi to the Red River, he 
took part in the expedition down the latter .stream, 
serving as Quartermaster of his divi.sion of the 
flotilla. After a ye.Tr of active service he was dis- 
charged on account of sickness and returned 
home, expecting to die. A vigorous constitution, 
however, enabled him to conquer di.sease, and 
after a time he regained his former health. Dur- 
ing his service on the gunboat " Ft. Henderson," 
under Captain Pierce, he had many exciting ex- 
periences and can narrate many thrilling incidents 
connected with his army life. 

On his return to Kenton, as soon as his health 
permitted him to enter business, Mr. Woodard 
bought a meat-shop, and this he carried on for 
two years. In 1870 he purchased the farm where 
he now resides, and, leaving his plea.sant home in 
Kenton, he began farm life in a log house, amid 
many discouraging circumstances. His arduous 
labor, however, has not been without its reward, 
and he now has one of the finest farms in the 
county. He also owned a sawmill at one time, 
and has handled and improved other farms. The 
winter season he usually spends in Florida, his 
ample means permitting him to secure all the 
comforts afforded by change of scene and travel. 
Politically he is a Republican, and has served as 
a member of the County Committee of his party. 
With his wife and children he holds membership 
in the Blanchard River Christian Church. . 

Mrs. Woodard was born on her father's old 



homestead October 28, 1840, and by her union 
with our subject has l)ecome the mother of the 
following named children; Ellen, wife of William 
Frederick, who lives near Dunkirk, Ohio; Palmer, 
who married Maggie Higgins and makes his 
home on a farm in Jackson Township; Viola, 
who is an accomplished and well educated young 
lady, and has been for four years a teacher in 
Pleasant and Jackson Townships; Frank, who 
married Maggie Kritzler and is a resident of Pleas- 
ant Town.ship; O.scar, a student in the Normal 
School at Ada, Ohio; Marcellus, who a.ssists in 
the cultivation of the home farm; Maud and 
Mabel, twins; and Laura. The children have 
been the recipients of excellent educational ad- 
vantages and are upright, honorable and cul- 
tured sons and daughters, of whom their parents 
may well be proud. 



<i^^^^^^^j^i,^^^^^.}.^.}.^^^^^^^^^^y^ 



EHARLI<:S J. COOPIiR, Ma.ster Mechanic of 
the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad Car 
.Shops at Kenton, was born in Lockport, 
N. Y.. June 13, 1851. He is the son of William 
E. and vSarah ( Harri.son ) Cooper, natives, re- 
specti\'ely, of Vermont and England. His fa- 
ther, who was a man of far more than ordinary 
ability and in\enti\e genius, designed and pat- 
ented many useful articles that were successfully 
applied bj- the railroads. In various old publica- 
tions on railroading his name appears frequently, 
and his work was of such a character as to bring 
him the regard of the members of his profession, 
by whom he was looked upon as a benefactor. 
As early as 1S38 he was Master Mechanic of the 
Lockport & Niagara Falls Railroad, and ran one 
of the first engines on the Erie Railroad, l)eing 
with that company until about 1878. He died in 
Gallon, Ohio, in 1888, at the age of about seven- 
ty-six years. 

The mother of our subject was born in Eng- 
land, and started with her parents to America, 
but her father died during the voyage and was 



290 



POKTKAIT AND lUOCKAl'IIICAL KKCURD. 



buried in midocean. She is still living and 
makes her home with a daughter in Akron, Ohio. 
Her brother, James Harrison, was a locomotive 
engineer, and ran the first engine across the sus- 
pension bridge at Niagara Falls. Our .subject is 
the next to the yoiuigest of a family of five chil- 
dren, having two brothers and two sisters. His 
brother, William E., Jr., is an engineer of the 
New York & New England Railroad, running 
out of Boston; Antoinette was first married to 
Alexander McDonald, an engineer, who was 
killed in a railroad wreck; afterward she became 
the wife of L. C. Brown, who at the time of his 
death was Auditor of the Valley Railroad, with 
headquarters at Akron, Ohio; Mary R. married 
H. A. Cooper, formerly a train dispatcher, and 
now purchasing agent of the Toledo & Ohio Cen- 
tral Railroad, with headquarters at Toledo; and 
H. A. is general foreman for the New York, Lake 
Erie & Western Railroad at Hornellsville, N. Y. 
Thus it will be seen that every member of the 
family is connected with railroad work. 

When fifteen years old, the subject of this 
sketch entered the shops of the Erie Railroad at 
Dunkirk, N. Y. , of which his father was at that 
time Master Mechanic. He mastered the me- 
chanical part of the business by the time he was 
nineteen, after which he was for ten years in the 
employ of the same road at Hornellsville, N. Y. 
Later, going to Pennsylvania, he accepted the po- 
sition of general foreman of the mechanical de- 
partment of the Bradford branch of the Erie Road, 
and remained in that capacity for three years. 
For the five ensuing years he was Master Me- 
chanic of the BufTalo, Rochester & Pittsburg 
Railroad, and then became connected with the 
Cincinnati, Saginaw & Mackinaw, now a part of 
the Grand Trunk Railroad at Saginaw, Mich. 

The road being built at that time, Mr. Cooper 
had charge of its cciuipment with rolling stock, 
and also figured ])romincntly in the sale of the 
road to the Grand Trunk. For a time after this 
he was not comiected with the railroad business, 
being interested in tlie Kilby Manufacturing Com- 
pany of Cleveland. However, he was too closely 
wedded to the railroad business to remain long 
out of it; besides which he was too well and favor- 



ably known in railroad circles to be permitted to 
retire from the work permanently. 

When the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad 
Company was about to establish their car-shops 
at Kenton, in looking about for the proper man 
to take charge of this extensive work, they de- 
cided upon Mr. Cooper, with whom negotiations 
were at once opened. Accepting the offer of the 
company, he came to this city and superintended 
the con.struction of the buildings, since which 
time he has been in full charge of the works, hav- 
ing about sixty-five men under him. He is a 
thorough and competent man, and is fully con- 
versant with every detail of the railroad business. 

While living at Hornellsville, N. Y., Mr. Coop- 
er married Miss Marj- E. Fitzgibbon, who died 
at Bradford, Pa., in 1888, leaving one .son, C. T., 
now a young man and a machinist in the shops 
at Kenton. As a business man, our subject is 
efficient, progressive and energetic, while as a 
citizen he is intere.sted in all mea.sures having for 
their object the promotion of the welfare of the 
people. 



'^-- 



=+ 



(1 OIIN Dl'ICRWlCSTlvR is engaged in general 
I farming on section 25, Taylor Creek Town- 
C2/ ship, Hardin County, and has been especially 
successful as a stock-raiser and shipper. Socially 
he is identified with a innnber of fraternities. 
November 5, 187 1, he joined Odd Fellows' Lodge 
No. 583, at Mt. Victory, and in 1S80 was one of 
the charter members of Ridgeway Lodge No. 693. 
He is also comiected with the Union Veterans' 
Union of Kenton, "Pap" Thomas Commandery 
No. 14, Knights of the Golden Eagle No. 62, and 
Sunset Lodge No. 306, Order of Rel>ekah. In 
1884 he was commissioned a Notary Public, and 
has served in that capacity since. Politically he 
is an adherent of the Democracy. 

Our subject's fother, George Deerwester, was 
born ill Clermont County, Ohio, October 7, 1815. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



291 



His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rebecca 
Lewis, was a native of Monti^oinerv County, 
Ohio, l)orn June 17, 1825. They had thirteen 
children, as follows: Sarah J. (deceased), born 
July 12, 1845; William P., September 26, 1846; 
Eli/.a, January 26, 1848; Mary E., June 30, 1849; 
Matilda (deceased). May 15, 1851; Rebecca, Jan- 
uary I, 1833; Minerva, June 27, 1854; George 
(deceased). May 7, 1856; Ahuira, July 17, 1858; 
Martha, March 28, 1859; Harriet, February 17, 
1S62; Charles, December 16, 1865; and our sub- 
ject, who is the eldest. 

The boyhood of George Deerwester was passed 
on his father's farm. He was the youngest of 
nine children, and two of his brothers are .still in 
this state. On reaching his majority he com- 
menced working on the Ohio River, running be- 
tween Cincinnati and New Orleans for seven 
years. He then married and settled in Hamilton 
County, Ohio, and in 1S47 bought fift\- acres of 
wild land in Logan County. Hu put up a log 
cabin, into which he mo\ed in 1849, and three 
years later sold out, after luu'ing cleared about 
ten acres. Going to Clermont County, he rented 
a farm of one hundred and seventy -five acres, 
and June 1 1, 1856, he returned to Logan County, 
wdiere he bought fifty acres of unimproved land, 
on which he erected a cabin 20x24 feet in dimen- 
sions. In the spring of 1864 he moved to Rush 
Creek Township and resided on ten acres of 
improved land for the next twelve years. In 
1876 he went to Harrison Township. Paulding 
County, Ohio, where he purchased a tract of forty 
acres, on which he lixed until his death, January 
7, 1889. He cast his first \olc for General Har- 
rison. He served his fellow-citi/.ens as Trustee, 
Supervisor and ,SchooI Director, and religiously 
wa.s a Lutheran. His wife is still living on the 
old homestead. 

John Deerwe.ster was born near vSinistown, 
Hamilton County, Ohio, October 17, 1743, and 
remained under the parental roof until he was in 
his seventeenth year, when, June 8, 1861, he en- 
listed in Company F, Thirteenth Ohio Infantry, 
under Capt. I. R. Gardner. From Camp Denni- 
son he was sent to Parkersburg, Va., thence to 
Oakland, Va., and July 16 was stationed at Pow- 



ell's Gap on guard duty. There the forces were 
defeated and fell 1)ack to Oakland. September 
10 he took part in llie battle of Carnifax Ferry, 
and afterward was in an engagement at Cotton 
Mountain, which lasted about four hours. »Some 
time was spent in camp, and then lie was sent to 
Louisville, Ky., where mules and wagons wei'e 
secured and his company marched to Fli/.abeth- 
town, K>-. The\^ were detailed to guard a rail- 
road bridge on the Louisville & Nashville Road, 
and a month later joined the regiment near Bacon 
Creek. F'ebruary 6 they went to ]5owling Green, 
Ky., then proceeded to Nashville, arriving there 
March 6, 1862. vSoon after, our subject took part 
in the battle t)f,SliiIoh, and April 7 was in the battle 
of Savainiah, where he received a .slight wound. 
Next, going to Corinth, he was in the siege of 
that stronghold, and subsequently liel])t'd erect a 
fort at the mouth of Battle Creek. From Louis- 
\'ille, K\'., he marched to Perryville, although he 
was not called into action. 

At the battle of, Stone River, December 31, 1862, 
Mr. Deerwe.ster was shot in the left shoulder and 
in the right thigh, and after lying all night on 
the field was picked up for dead In- a conuade 
named lunanuel Dunson. F'or a day and night 
he was taken care of in a neighboring house and 
was then removed to a field hospital. January 9 he 
was transferred to Nashville. Hospital No. 6, re- 
maining there a])out a month, when he was re- 
moved to the United States Hospital at Co\-ing- 
ton, Ky. By Ma>- he was convale.scent and was 
made a imrse, later becoming ward master. It 
was not until December 23 that he rejoined his 
regiment at Chattanooga. After a short lime his 
health broke <lown and he was placed in the 
Eighty-sixth Indiana, remaining in camp until 
April, when he once more returned to his regi- 
ment. .Starting from near Ringgold, he went on 
the Atlanta campaign, and was at the battles of 
Buzzard's Roost and Resaca and later at Dalton. 
At Kenesaw, June 17, he was relieved, and June 
26 he received an honoral)le discharge. 

Locating near Big vSprings, Mr. Deerwester 
clerked in a store, and also went to .school eight- 
een months on his return from thcvSouth. In the 
.spring of i856 he went toTopeka, Kan.; I)Ut after 



292 



PORTRAIT AND lilOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



spending some time in the western cities returned 
to his former home, and October 25, 1866, pur- 
chased seventy-six acres of his present farm. The 
land was in a wild state, and when he had put 
up a log cabin he kept "bachelor's hall" lor a few 
months. He is now interested in raising stand- 
ard grades of cattle and Poland-China hogs, be- 
sides which he sells and ships baled hay exten- 
sively. 

October 24, 1867, Mr. Deerwester married 
Mary J. Gardner, who was born July 30, 1847, 
in Greene County, Pa., being one of eight chil- 
dren, whose parents were Freeman and Johanna 
(Jennings) Gardner. The others are: Lavina, 
Ellen, Lucinda, James, Ehner, Lucy and Will- 
iam I'". The parents are still living in this town- 
ship. To Mr. and Mrs. Deerwester there were 
born the following children: Minnie, June 17, 
1869; Eva, December 28, 1871; Carrie, April 9, 
1874; Manly, January 3, 1876; Cora A., Novem- 
ber 17, 1877; Laura S., September 2, 1878; Lu- 
cinda B., January 3, 1882; Adeline E., May 21, 
1884; Perry C, July 3, 1887; and Mary E., May 
4, 1890. They were all born in this locality. 
The three eldest are married. Cora died August 
26, 1878. 

In 1866 our subject joined the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church of Big Springs, and is one of the 
leading members. He belongs to the Ohio Aux- 
iliary of the National Swine- Breeding Association, 
from which he has a certificate. 



--^=mms^^^^^^ 



GlLBlCRT H. FULTON, who was elected to 
Ll the responsible position of Justice of the 
I I Peace in 1894, is a progressive agriculturist 
of Cessna Township, Hardin County. Here he 
has a highly cultivated farm of one hundred and 
eighty-eight acres, on which stand substantial 
buildings. 

The parents of our subject were John and Mag- 
dalen (Kurlie) Fulton, natives of Wittenberg, 
Germany, Ijorn June 7, 1807, and December 5, 



1812, respectively. Their family consisted of 
twelve children: John T., Francis, Johanna, Fred- 
erick, John C, Mary A., Caroline, William, Al- 
bert H., Elizabeth and two who died in infancy. 

In 1830 Mr. Fulton, Sr., came to the United 
States on a sailing-vessel, the trip taking six 
weeks. From New York he went to Philadel- 
phia, where he lived until 1832. Then for two 
years he resided in Columbiana County, Ohio, re- 
moving therefrom in 1842 to Hancock County. 
Near Fostoria he purchased fortj^ acres, which he 
cultivated until, a good chance presenting itself, 
he bought a tract of two hundred acres lying 
near by. After he had lived there about twenty 
years, he bought a place of one hundred and 
twenty acres near his old home, and in 1880 he 
was summoned to his la.st rest. He was a mem- 
ber of the Lutheran Church, and one who bore 
the good-will of all who knew him. In his politi- 
cal convictions he was a Democrat. His compan- 
ion and helpmate departed this life in 1881. 

Albert H. Fulton was born near Fostoria, Ohio, 
December 2, 1854, and spent his early years in 
the work and play connnon to farmer lads. He 
.stayed with his parents until their life work was 
brought to a close. Soon after the home was 
broken up he purchased the old homestead, and 
carried on the place a year or more. In 1883 he 
sold out, and, coming to Hardin County, located 
in this township. After a year's residence on 
one farm, he settled permanently where he is now 
living. 

June 10, 1879, the union of Mr. Fulton and 
Margaret R. , daughter of Valentine and Jeainiette 
(Diddlebaugh) Eccarius was celebrated. Her fa- 
ther was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1833, and 
November 12, 1857, he wedded Mrs. Jeannette 
(Diddlebaugh) Stahl, a native of Philadelphia, 
born October 3, 1837. It was in 1849 that Mr. 
liccarius emigrated to the New World. He soon 
became an honored citizen of this community, for 
several years owning a quarter-section here, but 
he later moved to the homestead which is now the 
property of his son-in-law. At the time of his 
demise his pos.se.ssions amounted to three hundred 
and twenty acres. His deatli occurred Marcli 10, 
1886, and that of his wife October 24, 1873. They 




WILLIAM A KlvLLV. 



PORTUAir AND BIOGKAPUICAL RECORD. 



295 



had three chililrcii: Jacob George, deceased; Mar- 
garet E., Mrs. Fulton; and Mary E., wife of 
John Shindewolf. 

Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Fulton, viz. : Alfred H., born November 23, 1881; 
and Bain E., born January 5, 1892. The parents 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and give both of their means and time to the ad- 
vancement of the work. 

Mr. Fulton uses his ballot in favor of the meas- 
ures and nominees of the Democratic party. From 
18SS to 1893 he served to everyone's satisfaction 
in the capacity of Township Treasurer, and he 
posses.ses the confidence atul high regard of his 
neighbors and fellow-citizens in an eminent de- 
gree. 

• Q ^ P ' 



IIJJAM A. KELLY, a prominent citizen 
residing on .section 20, Goshen Township, 
Hardin County, was born in Westmore- 
land County, Pa., on the site now occupied by 
the depot in Scottdale, March 26, 1S26. His par- 
ents were Samuel and Margaret (Gardner) Kelly, 
natives of Westmoreland and Beaver Counties, 
Pa., respectively. 

Alexander, father of Samuel Kelly, was a na- 
tive of Ireland, and at one time lived in Dublin. 
He emigrated to the United States, and was here 
during the War of the Revolution. He was the 
father of twenty-four children, thirteen by his 
first marriage, and eleven by his second union. 
Samuel Kelly emigrated to Crawford County, 
Ohio, at an early day, buying land, which he 
operated for three years. April 11, 1834, he 
moved to this county with a yoke of cattle, which 
he had taken as part payment for his former 
farm. He entered three hundred acres on section 
20, Goshen Town.ship, part of this now being the 
property of his son. On teaching this state he 
had no capital, with the exception of $50, and 
had but twenty-five cents left after entering his 
first forty acres of land. Though he had a wife 
and two children depending upon him for sup- 
10 



port, he improved the farm, and inside of three 
)'ears bought fort\' acres more. When his first 
letter came from his old Penn.sylvania home, he 
had no money to pay the postage (twenty-five 
cents), and was obliged to pawn his favorite rifle. 
This he was not able to redeem until harvest time 
afforded him an opportunity to earn a little money. 
One of his pioneer experiences, or, more strictly 
speaking, that of his wife, happened when he 
was absent from home, when wolves attacked 
their hogs. The frightened animals instinctively 
ran for protection to the cabin door. Mrs. Kelly 
hastily placed her three children in the loft, and 
all night long kept the wolves at bay by throw- 
ing shovelfuls of hot coals from the fireplace upon 
them. Wolves were very numerous in those 
days, and many of their cattle fell into their 
clutches. 

In order to encourage settlement, Ohio had a 
fund in early days for loaning to actual .settlers, 
and from this sum Samuel Kelly borrowed about 
$200, which he used in clearing his land in this 
town.ship. A great deal of this .surplus was used 
in cutting highways or state roads, and Mr. Kelly 
was made Commi.ssioner for the eastern part of 
this county. Under his direction the road from 
Kenton to Marseilles, twelve miles in length and 
sixty feet in width, was laid out, laborers being 
paid fifty cents a day. He afterward added fort}' 
acres to his farm, and finally di\ided it among his 
children. 

In 1849 Samuel Kelly started with a company 
from Ohio with horse-teams for California. Later 
they traded their horses for oxen, and continued 
the tedious journey until within about five hun- 
dred miles of their destination, when, on the al- 
kali plains, the cattle all died and the wagons 
were abandoned. Death was staring them all in 
the face, and each man had to shift for himself. 
Samuel Kelly was sick, and they were obliged to 
leave him by the way. He was exposed to the 
mercy of wild bea.sts for three days, but help came 
in the shape of a company from Illinois, who car- 
ried him along with them. He had been reared 
in Pennsylvania, where a strong sentiment existed 
against the Masons. His son William had joined 
the order, and he related this fact while jolting 



296 



POKTKAIT AND BIOGRAI'IIICAL RECORD. 



along in the wagon of his benefactors, sajing that 
his son had mined himself by becoming one of 
those notorious Masons. On separating from his 
companions, they told him that, owing to the 
emergencies of their situation, they would prob- 
ably have thought it necessarj- to abandon him, 
but out of respect for his son, who was a Mason, 
as they were themselves, they had rescued him 
at the risk of their own lives and comfort. Ever 
afterward he was an enthusiastic friend of Ma- 
sonry, and on his return to Ohio desired to enter 
the lodge, and would have done .so had he not 
been too old. He spent eighteen months in the 
mines, and then went home with about $2,000 in 
gold. In 1853 he took another trip to the Golden 
State, but this time was gone only nine months. 
After dividing his farm among his children, he 
settled on a new piece of land in Go.shen Town- 
ship, two or three miles from his old home, but 
on the expiration of five years sold out, and in 
1866 went to Kansas. He settled on a farm of 
prairie land, engaged in loaning money, and re- 
sided there until his death, which occurred in 
February, 1891, at the age of eighty-four years. 
His wife, Margaret, had died twenty years before, 
leaving three children, the eldest of whom, Will- 
iam, is the only surv'ivor. Catherine married 
Timothy Stillings; he died in the Rocky Moun- 
tains and was taken to Atchi.son, Kan., for burial. 
Lucinda, whose death resulted from consumption, 
was the wife of R. S. Latham. 

William A. Kelly lived on his father's home- 
stead until he went to California, in 1864, and 
early assumed the management of the place. He 
carried on the farm until it was divided, when he 
received the part on which he yet resides. March 
26, 1852, on his twenty-sixth birthday, he mar- 
ried Miss Mary Henry, of Dudley Township, 
who died September 3, 1871. May i, 1872, Mr. 
Kelly wedded lilnora J., widow of John Johns, 
of Kenton, where she had resided for several 
years. She was born in Gettysburg, Pa., Au- 
gust 15, 1825. By her first marriage she had 
three children: George Henry, a shoemaker of 
Kenton; Addie L., wife of Finley Kelly; and Lolo 
Floretta, wife of David Harvey, of Dunkirk, 
Ohio. To tlie first marriage of William Kelly 



eight children were born, five of whom are living, 
namel3': Finley S., who farms a tract adjoining 
the old home; Ella \'., a seamstress; Lolo M., 
wife of Theodore Hullinger, of Wyandot County; 
Ida C, Mrs. Fletcher Baily, of Taylor Creek 
Township; and Gertie, who is clerking in Den- 
ver, Colo. 

Since 1853 Mr. Kelly has resided on his pres- 
ent farm, and his first hou.se stood on the site of 
his present residence, which he erected in 1870, 
burning the brick for it on the farm. The place 
contains one hundred and ninety-four acres, one 
hundred and fourteen of which were entered by 
his father over sixty-five years ago, and one hun- 
dred acres of which he has cleared ]iini.self. For 
thirtj--five years he has been an auctioneer, and 
has a justly merited reputation for his ability in 
that direction. He is a Democrat, and has filled 
nearly all the township offices. At the age of 
twenty-three years he joined the Masonic order 
at Kenton, and in 1S73 became one of the charter 
members of Goshen Grange No. 578, P. of H. He 
has filled all the chairs in that body, and has re- 
peatedly served as Master of the County Grange, 
which office he is at present filling. He has 
been Deputy Organizer for the county, ipr sev- 
eral years has attended the State Grange, and 
was for a time Chaplain of the latter body. At 
the last session held at Dayton, a three-days 
meeting, about eight hundred and fifty members 
were in daily attendance, and every county in 
the state was represented. In the Asbury Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church Mr. and Mrs. Kelly are 
active members, and Mr. Kelly has served as 
Steward and Class- Leader. 



ROBERT McC. DRAPER, who for fifty-seven 
years was a well known resident of Hardin 
County, was engaged in farm pursuits in 
Plea.sant Township until his death. He was a 
native of Ohio, born in Holmes County, May 9, 
1827, and was a .son of Isaac Draper, a Virginian, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



297 



who settled in Ohio early in the present century. 
In 1837 he accompanied the other members of the 
family from Coshocton to Hardin County, where 
his father died in 1S70. He contiiuied engaged 
in agricultural work until his death, which oc- 
curred October 20, 1894. A man of strong con- 
stitution and stalwart physique, he was ill but a 
few days in all his life. 

The first marriage of Mr. Draper was to Mary 
Osborn, and occurred April 26, i.'^49. Ten chil- 
dren were born unto them, of whom the sur- 
vivors are Isaac, a resident of Kenton; Emma, 
wife of William Sams; Elva, Mrs. Nathan Charl- 
ton, of Kenton; Willis, of Dunkirk, Ohio; and 
Clara, who is the wife of William Bailey, of Cess- 
na Town.ship. Two children died in childhood; 
Mack, Cynthia and Alice are also deceased. 

March 15, 1884, Mr. Draper married Mrs. Isa- 
bel Talbntt, of Nodaway County, Mo. ,She was 
born in Richland County, Ohio, March 2, 1S33, 
being a daughter of Andrew and Margaret ( Cas- 
tor) McFarland, who were married in Richland 
County, July 2, 1S27. Mr. McFarland was born 
in Pennsylvania, January 22, 1796, and removed 
to Richland County, Ohio, at the age of twenty- 
seven. In October, 1851, he moved to Platte 
City, Mo., and in the following year bought a 
farm in Page County, Iowa, where he remained 
until his death, April 22, 1S63. 

The parents of Andrew McFarland were Will- 
iam and Isabel (Hamilton) McFarland, who were 
married in Gla.sgow-, Scotland, about 1792. In 
January, 1796, thej- emigrated to America, nine- 
teen weeks being consumed in the voyage across 
the ocean. The navigator was ill, and the man 
who replaced him, being unfamiliar with the work, 
directed the course wrong, and the ves.sel was lost 
for a time. William McFarland settled in Mer- 
cer County, Pa., where he remained until death. 
His remains are interred at Harlansburg. In the 
Old Country he followed the occupation of a 
weaver, and after settling in Harlansburg was 
similarly engaged. His father, Andrew, spent 
his entire life in Scotland. Isabel Hamilton, wife 
of William McFarland, was a daughter of Lord 
Hamilton, of Scotland, and an aunt of Alexander 
Hamilton, of national fame. 



Margaret Castor was born in Allegheny Coun- 
ty, Pa., May 11, iSii, and died Februarj' 28, 
1853. Her parents, John and Ellen (Moore) 
Castor, were married in Pennsylvania, and sub- 
sequently moved to Richland Count3^ Ohio. She 
was the second of three children, the others being 
Paul and Elizabeth. After the death of her 
mother, her father was twice married. Andrew 
McFarland was the ne.xt to the eldest of four sons 
and five daughters, all of whom were born in this 
country except John. The others are Moore, 
Robert, Isabel, Mary, Clara, Annie and Martha. 

The marriage of Andrew and Margaret McFar- 
land resulted in the birth of twelve children, two 
of whom died in infancy. Of the others we note 
the following: John resides in Pottawatomie 
County, Kan.; Isaliel is the wiilow of our subject; 
Elizabeth married Iv. McFarland, and lives in 
Page County, Iowa; William is a resident of Holt 
County, Mo.; Ann is the wife of William Mitch- 
ell, of McDonough County, 111.; Margaret E. is 
Mrs. Harrison Collins, of McDonough County, 
111.; James P'ranklin died in the army; Andrew 
J. lives on the old homestead in Page County, 
Iowa; Amanda J. married Isaac Dnngan, of Noda- 
way County, Mo. ; and Alexander Hamilton is 
deceased. 

At the time her parents moved to Missouri, Isa- 
bel McFarland was eighteen years old, and she 
was nineteen the day the family moved to Iowa, 
where her mother died, Fel)ruary 28, 1S53. In 
Page County, April 13, 1854, she became the 
wife of Dr. Perry H. Talhott, at that time a prac- 
ticing physician of Nodaway County, Mo. He 
was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 5, 
1827, and was a son of William Wallace and 
Elizabeth (Hoshor) Talbott, who were married 
in Fairfield County about 1825. Dr. W. W. 
Talbott was a native of lingland, and was a mem- 
ber of a family that belonged to the nobility and 
had a coat of arms. His father, William Wal- 
lace Talbott, spent his entire life in England. 

On coming to America, Dr. W. W. Talbott set- 
tled in Talbot County, Md., but a year later 
came to Ohio and located in Fairfield County. 
After his marriage he moved to Franklin County, 
and later to Columbus, Ohio. In the .schools of 



298 



PORTRAIT AND BiUGRAPIIlCAL RECORD. 



Fairfield County Dr. Perry H. Talbott received 
the rudiments of his education. At the age of 
twenty he entered Starling Medical College ot 
Columbus, from which institution he was grad- 
uated. His fir.st location was in Germantown, 
where he followed his profession for one year. 
From there he went to Nodaway County, Mo., 
where he spent a year. In May, 1850, he started 
on horseback for California, riding across the 
plains. Arriving at his destination in Placer 
County, he began mining and soon struck gold, 
but afterward lost what he had previously made. 
At one time he held stock to the amount of $4,000 
in the Oregon City & Placer Railroad. 

Two years were spent in the West, after which 
Dr. Talbott returned, via Mexico and the Gulf, to 
Nodaway County, Mo., where he resumed his 
practice. He continued to reside there until his 
death, September 20, 1880. Politically he was a 
man of considerable prominence. In 1855-57116 
was a member of the Legislature. In the fall of 
1862 he entered the armj- as surgeon of the 
Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry and served in north- 
we.stern Mis.souri, remaining in the army until 
the close of the Rebellion. At the expiration of 
the war he returned to his farm near Maryville, 
Nodaway County. As a speaker he was fluent 
and forcible, and was in great demand as a public 
orator during campaigns. He favored Demo- 
cratic principles until the Greenback party gained 
prominence, when, becoming an advocate of its 
measures, he took a leading part in its manage- 
ment. He was a delegate to the Chicago Con- 
vention, and had the honor of placing Horace 
Greeley in nomination for the Presidency. In 
1S77 he established the Circnback Standard, at 
Maryville, Mo., which he continued to publish 
until his deatli. He was a clo.se friend of the 
leaders of the Greenback party and was especially 
intimate with Stephen Delay, editor of the Irish 
World. Frt<iuenlly he was consulted concerning 
the management of the national organization of 
the party. vSocially he was connected with the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was 
reared in the faith of the Episcopal Church, 
and liis wife was identified with the Christian 
Churcli. 



Dr. and Mrs. Talbott were the parents of 
twelve children, of whom we note the following: 
Olivia is the wife of Edwin Turner, of Monte 
Vista, Colo.; lantha, deceased, married Thomas 
Shore, who lives near Galva, 111. ; Ida Belle is the 
widow of Nicholas Mercer, and with her two 
children, Perrj- Cicero and Nicholas McC, Jr., 
resides in Cherokee County, Kan. ; Albert Perry 
is deceased; Ada Alice is the wife of George Mc- 
Clenihan, who lives near Russell, lyUcas County, 
Iowa; Charles Ivdward is deceased; William Wal- 
lace is a prominent attorne}' of Joplin, Mo.; Jen-, 
nie married Dr. John Bruce, a native of Glasgow, 
Scotland, and a practicing physician of Washing- 
ton, D. C; Cora married James Halman, a tele- 
graph operator of San Francisco; John A. is inter- 
ested in the lead mines at Joplin, Mo.; CiceraC. is 
a student in the college at Lebanon, Ohio; and 
Ella Rosa, the youngest of the family, died in 
childliood. 



j AWSON II. DliLATDER, Mayor of Agos- 
I C ta, Marion County, is now .serving his fourth 
V"} term in this responsible position. In the 
ranks of the Democratic party he has taken a very 
interested and energetic part, and has attended 
every Congressional Convention as a delegate for 
the pa.st fourteen years. He served acceptably as 
a member of the Village Council for three years, 
for a like period was a member of the School 
Board, and for six years was Justice of the Peace. 
He owns considerable real estate in the town, and 
has become well-to-do through his own efforts 
and good business methods. On his arrival in 
this locality he opened the carriage and wagon 
shop which lie has conducted ever since, but his 
public duties have taken up much of his time of 
late years. 

Mr. Delauder was born November 3, 1854, in 
Frederick County, Md., he being the youngest 
of six children born to George and Mahala (Boy- 
erj Delauder, both natives of Maryland. The 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



299 



father was a cabinet-maker, and followed that 
calling until his early death, at the age of thirty- 
two years, in 1854. His father and mother were 
natives of Marj'land and Virginia, respectively, 
and on the paternal side he was of French descent, 
while on the maternal side he was of German ex- 
traction. Mrs. Mahala Delauder is .still living in 
Hardin County, Ohio, and is now in her seventy- 
fifth year. Her parents were born in Germany. 

Our subject never knew what it was to expe- 
rience the love and tender care of a fither, for 
that parent died two months before young Law- 
son's birth. He was reared on the old homestead 
in Maryland and attended the connnon .school un- 
til eighteen years of age. He then set about 
learning the wheelwright's trade, and was em- 
ployed as an apprentice for a year or more. Jan- 
uary 8, 1872, he arrived at Larue, Marion Coun- 
ty, and for the next four years worked in his 
brother's wagon shop, after which he became a 
re.sident of Agosta, where he has since made his 
home. 

October 3, 1876, the nuu'riage of Mr. Delauder 
and Mattie A. Long, of \Vyandi)t County, Ohio, 
was celebrated. Eight children were born of 
their union, namely: Ollie, who is a successful 
school teacher of this county; William H. and 
Lloyd, both of whom died when about two years 
of age; and vSallie Florence, Grover F". , Lawson 
Rhea, Hershel M. and Frederick li. 

Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Delauder are mem- 
bers of the Methodist F^piscopal Church. The 
only fraternity with which our subject , is identi- 
fied is the Junior Order of ITnited American Me- 
chanics. 

' #^ P • , 



HON. JOHN I). GUTHERY. Without a 
sketch of Mr. Guthery, well known as one 
of the most successful agriculturists of Ma- 
rion County, this volume would be incomplete. 
A resident of Bowling Green Township for many 
years, he is the owner of one of the finest farms of 
the locality, which through excellent methods 



of fertilization and proper rotation of crops has 
becH brought to a high state of cultivation. The 
.success which he has attained is especially note- 
worthy, inasnuich as il has been .secured thront;h 
his own unremitting (.-xerticjus, aided by the 
efficient co-operation ol' his excellent wife. He 
has the distinction of being the largest land-owner 
of the township, his po.s.sessions aggregating 
probably eighteen hundred acres in this and ad- 
joining townships. 

During the residence of his parents in Pike 
County, Ohio, the subject of this notice was burn, 
September 16, 1819, being the .second of four 
children comprising tlie family of Joseph and 
Haimah ( Dever) Guthery. William, tlie eldest, 
died in 1863, when forty-.six years old. Isaac P\ 
passed away in 1S89, when sixty-eight years old. 
Jo.seph died in 1827, at the age of one year. The 
father of these .'^ons was born in Greene County, 
Pa., and was taken !)>• his parents to Ohio when 
seven years old. In August, 1827, he came to 
Marion County, and here he contiiuied to make 
his home until his death, which occurred Feb- 
ruary 5, 1856. Politically a Democrat, he was a 
man of influence in this locality, and aided in the 
organization of the township. Soon afterward he 
was cho.sen Justice of the Peace, being the first 
incumbent of that office, and when after a service 
of nine years he resigned, his son, our subject, 
was elected to succeed him. For his .services in 
the War of 18 12 he received a Government land 
warrant. A kind-hearted, generous and ho.spi ta- 
ble man, he made nuuiy friends among the pio- 
neers of this .section, and was beloved for his pro- 
bity of character. His liberal benefactions to 
tho.se in need were often made at the sacrifice 
of his own interests, for he was generous even to a 
fault. I'ull of >ears and honors he passed to his 
reward, and his body was laid to re.st in the fam- 
ily burying-ground on the old homestead. In 
religious belief he was identified with the United 
Brethren Church. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, John 
Guthery, was born in Scotland, and accompa- 
nied his parents to America in childhood, set- 
tling in Lancaster County, Pa., where he was 
reared and married. He was engaged in the dis- 



300 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tilling business there until 1797, and then removed 
to the tract of land known as the Northwestern 
Territory-, now iiiclnded within the limits of Pike 
County, Ohio. At that early day the country 
was in the j>rinieval condition of nature, and even 
the most sanguine of the pioneers did not antici- 
pate its future wonderful development. Between 
Piketown and Portsmouth, a distance of twent}-- 
four miles, there was but one cabin, and other 
portions of the countr>- were equally desolate. 
He journeyed up the Scioto River in a boat, and 
reacliing Piketown became one of its earliest 
settlers. He built a gristmill on Beaver Creek, 
where he remained initil his death, at the age of 
seventy-nine years. He was a man of great pat- 
riotism, and during the Colonial days was one of 
the feeble band who dared to withstand the op- 
pre.'isive tyranny of Great Britain. Entering the 
Revolutionary War as a private, he received mer- 
ited promotions and was discharged as Colonel. 
When the War of 1S12 began, he and four of his 
sons were among the first to volunteer in defense 
of our country, and they rendered valiant service 
until the close of the conflict. 

The mother of our subject was born in Ktn- 
tucky and came to Ohio, .settling in Scioto Coun- 
tv prior to the War of 18 12. Her death occurred 
in Marion County in 1858, at the age of sixty- 
eighl, and her body lies beside that of her husband 
near their old home. She was a consistent Chris- 
tian and a devoted member of the ITnited Breth- 
ren Church. The family was of Irish and Eng- 
lish extraction. Her parents were natives of 
Virginia, and her ftither was a private in the War 
of the Revolution. He lived for many years after- 
ward, and from him his children and grandchil- 
dren heard many thrilling incidents connected 
with that period of our countrj-'s hi.storj-. He 
was drowned PebruaPi- 10, 1827, when sixty-one 
years of age. 

At the time of removing to Marion County, 
our subject was eiglit years old. His school ad- 
vantages were very limited, l)Ut being a student 
he has acquired a very fair education. Early 
obliged to a.ssist in the maintenance of the family, 
he worked out on farms by the day or month, con- 
lituiiiiv tluis I iu':><.;i<l for sonu' vf.nrs In 18^6 



he came to Bowling Green Township and ' 'squat- 
ted" on land, building a log cabin for his home. 
About a year later he bought one hundred acres, 
for which he gave S3 per acre, paying $19 in serv- 
ices and the remainder in notes, as he had no 
money. He was one of the first to settle in 
Bowling Green Town.ship. and here he has made 
his home ever since. 

April 23, 1854, Mr. Guthery married Miss 
Susan P'redrick, a native of \'irginia. Ten 
children were born of their union, of whom two 
died in infancy. Of the others we note the fol- 
lowing: Joseph D. is a pro.sperons farmer of Bowl- 
ing Green Township; James B. assists his father 
in the cultivation of the home farm ; Emma died 
at the age of eleven years: Rachel Ann is the wife 
of Charles N. Barnes, of Lacon, 111., who is now 
a member of the State Senate: William L. is with 
his parents on the home farm; John H. is engaged 
in farm pursuits in Big Island Town.ship, Marion 
County : Isaac S. is a fanner of Bowling Green 
Township: and Fred E. is an attorney of Marion, 
Ohio. 

Politically Mr. Guthery is a stanch Democrat, 
and has taken an active part in local affairs. In 
youth he was elected Justice of the Peace, and 
ser\-ed in that capacity for twenty-one years. 
For a long time he also held the office of Town- 
ship Clerk. In 1S75 he was elected to represent 
his district in the State Legislature, and two years 
later he was re-elected, sers'ing until 1879. He 
was Land Appraiser of the county for twenty 
years, and has al.so sened in other positions of 
honor and responsibility. Socially he is con- 
nected with the Masonic fraternity at Larue. 
Though not a member of any denomination, he 
contributes liberally to the support of the Baptist 
Church, with which his wife is connected. 

The original one hundred acres upon which the 
family settled in 1S3S is still in the possession of 
Mr. Guthery. He now owns about twelve hun- 
dred acres of valuable land in Bowling Green 
Township, as well as property in adjoining town- 
ships. In stock-raising he has been successful, 
having had on his place horses, sheep and cattle, 
and he has also carried on an extensive trade in 
the buying and selling of .stock. He takes an in- 



FOUTHAIT AND HIOORAI'IIICAL RPX'ORD. 



telligent interest in all progressive measures hav- 
ing for their object, either direct or indirect, the 
material welfare of the ])eoj)le, and he may always 
he found on the side of right and justice. 



G^ 



(^ 






f^^. 



■J^. 



QROI'. ARTIICR POWliLL, who holds the 
L/^ responsible position of Superintendent of the 
|>3 Marion city schools, ranks as an educator of 
the highest order. Perhaps there is no state in 
the Union which is more advanced than Ohio in 
the attention which is paid to the interests of the 
young; all over the .state there are earnest, disin- 
terested workers in the good cause, men and 
women who have devoted their lives to the prog- 
ress of the coming generation, and whose highest 
reward is to .see the advancement of the race. In 
this good work no one has taken a greater inter- 
est, or devoted himself more untiringly, than 
Professor Powell. 

Our subject is comparatively a young man, the 
date of his birth, which occurred on his father's 
farm near vSharon, Noble County, Ohio, having 
been October 22, 1853. His father, Andrew 
Powell, who is living at Worthiiigton, this state, 
is also a native of Ohio. Me is of Scotch descent, 
ance.stors of the family having emigrated from 
Scotland and .settled in \'irginia. Being people 
of great force of character and a high order of in- 
telligence, they .soon became prominent in their 
adopted country, and took an active part in the 
history of \'irginia. His grandfather, vSamuel 
Powell, was a mini.ster in the United Brethren 
Church, and died in the pulpit, while engaged in 
his duties as a preacher. The mother of the 
Professor, who was in her maiden days Miss 
Martha Lyons, was born in this .state, and bore 
her husband two sons, the elder of whom is our 
subject; the younger is living in Worthington 
with his parents. 

Brought up on a farm, and his services being 
almost indis])ensable in its operation. Professor 



Powell up to the age of sixteen years hafi received 
only a district-school education. But the boy 
was ambitions, and determined on having that 
which he knew was one of the greatest aids in 
fighting the ijattle of life — an education. His 
first step was to enter the Ohio Central Normal 
at Worthington, where he worked his way, tak- 
ing a preparatory course. After this lie took a 
course of one year at the preparatory school at 
Oberlin, and during this time taught a select 
school, and also took private les.sons from a prom- 
inent and highly educated ICpi.scopal clergyman. 
At eighteen be began to teach .school to get the 
wherewithal to still further pursue his collegiate 
education, and taught for four years before his 
ambition was fulfilled. At twenty -two, however, 
he entered Oberlin College. In 1880 he gradu- 
ated with the degree of A. B., having completed 
the five-year course in four years. At his gradu- 
ation he stood at the head of his class, and was 
also one of the students selected for the oratorical 
contest, in which he acquitted himself with great 
distinction; in fact, his whole college career was 
highly creditable to himself and his instructors. 

On leaving Oberlin, the Professf)r first took 
charge of the .schools at St. Paris, this state, and 
then for six years was Principal of the .schools at 
Wadsworth, also in this state. In both these 
places he won the regard of pupils and parents, 
and the reputation of being one of the most thor- 
ough teachers the schools had ever had. His 
next position was as Principal of the Barnesville 
schools, and from that place he came to Marion 
to fill the same position in the schools here. 

During Professor Powell's stay in Marion, he 
has worked almost incalculable good in the cau.se 
of the higher education of the pupils of the city. 
Of the many improvements w'hich he has intro- 
duced in the .schools is the teaching of vocal mu- 
sic, a branch of study which has added materially 
to the intere.st taken by the pupils in their work. 
He has revised the high-school course, raising 
the .standard of instruction so much that pupils 
are now admitted to any college in the state on 
presentation of a certificate from the Marion High 
School, a feature that has worked to the great 
advantage of the students by stimulating them to 



302 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



further effort, with a greater end in view, and set- 
ting an example for other high schools in the 
state to follow. The superintendency of the 
school involves the oversight of forty-two teach- 
ers, who in turn have charge of about eighteen 
hundred and fifty pupils, and the work necessary 
in prescribing the different courses of study for 
these, and in laying down rules for their manage- 
ment and discipline, renders the position oi Su- 
perintendent no sinecure. 

Knowing from long experience the benefits to 
be derived by both teacher and pupil from an 
abundance of light and air and space. Professor 
Powell earnestly advocated the erection of a new 
high school building, and the result is a splendid 
new school, one of the finest in the state. In count- 
less other ways his influence is felt, and indeed it 
would be .strange if it were not so. Imbued with 
a love for his work, and thinking it one of the 
highest that man can engage in, he enters with a 
vim into everything that tends to raise the stand- 
ard of education, not only in Marion, but through- 
out the state. He is particularly interested in 
teachers' institutes, and for many years has taken 
a leading part in them, attending them in differ- 
ent parts of the state, and organizing and holding 
many of them in various counties. So successful 
has he I)een in the conduct of these, that it is no 
uiuisual thing for him to be recalled five or six 
times, and the many congratulatory press notices 
and private connnunications received bj- him 
show in what regard his services are held. He 
has also taken an active part in the State Teach- 
ers' Association, in which he is an oflScer, and in 
the work of the Northwestern Teachers' Associa- 
tion, of which he is President. 

While living at Wad.sworth, July 23, 1884, t'le 
Professor was married to Miss Ada K. Pranks. 
Mrs. Powell is a lady of liberal education and of 
nnich refinement, who takes a great interest in 
her husband's work, and shares with him in the 
regard with which he meets. They have two 
children, Stanley Franks and Carroll Arthur. 
The family occupies a i)cautiful home on an ele- 
vation in the southern part of the city, command- 
ing a fine view. 

Profe.s.sor Powell has alwa\s taken a great in- 



terest in Masonrj', and himself is prominent in 
the order, being a Knight Templar and Prelate 
of his commandery. He is also a Knight of Pyth- 
ias and an Odd Fellow, and in politics is a Re- 
publican. He and Mrs. Powell are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



["RIvDERICK wolf. In enumerating the 
IQ successful farmers of Hardin Countj-, prom- 
I inent mention belongs to the gentleman 
above named, who is the owner of a valuable 
place on section 33, Goshen Township. His 
fann, which comprises one hundred and eighty- 
two acres, is improved with a substantial resi- 
dence, good barn and convenientl}- arranged out- 
buildings, all of which were erected bj- the pres- 
ent owner. An excellent system of tiling has 
been introduced, as well as all the other improve- 
ments characteristic of a model estate. 

A life-long resident of Hardin County, Mr. 
Wolf was born in Kenton, September 30, 1838, 
being the third child in the family of Jacob and 
Barbara (Wang) Wolf Of his brothers and sis- 
ters we note the following: Jacob makes his home 
with our subject; Henry is a prosperous farmer 
of Goshen Township; John owns a part of the 
old homestead in this township; Sylvia is the wife 
of Peter Pfeiffer, a farmer of this locality; Eliza- 
beth married M. Gookemberger, of Hardin Coun- 
ty; Barbara is the wife of George Aulthouser, of 
Goshen Township; and five children died young. 

Though born in this country, our subject is of 
foreign parentage. His father was born and 
reared in Germany, and there learned the trade 
of a cooper. When a young man, he came to 
America, and first made a short sojourn in Spring- 
field, Ohio. He came to Hardin County in 1832, 
and entered land here. His marriage took place 
at Springfield in 1833, and there he worked on 
the canal until 1834, when he again came to Har- 
din County, and bought five acres, comprising a 
portion of the present site of Kenton. Erecting 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



305 



a log cabin for the abode of his family, he began 
to work at the cooper's trade, following this oc- 
cupation in the winter, while the summer seasons 
were devoted to work on the farm and canal. 

Several years were thus passed, Mr. Wolf lay- 
ing in the mean time the foundation of his sub- 
sequent success. From that place he removed to 
the tract of land in Goshen Township which he 
had entered in 1S32. He at once began to clear 
and improve the farm, devoting hislei.sure days to 
his trade. Being a man of great industry, as 
well as considerable sagacity, he gained more 
than ordinary success, which was especially re- 
markable in view of the fact that he came to Ohio 
entirely without means, was obliged to endure 
all the hardships incident to life on the frontier, 
and had a large family dependent upon him for 
support. At his death he left a farm of two hun- 
dred and sevent)- acres, all of which he had gained 
through his own laliors, and the larger part of 
which he had cleared from the heavy timber. 
His wife, also a native of Germany, accompanied 
her parents to America in girlhood and continued 
to live in Ohio until her death, on tlie homestead 
in Hardin County. 

Nothing of especial importance occurred to 
break the ordinary routine of life for our subject 
in his boyhood years. During the summer months 
he assisted in ploughing the ground, planting the 
seed and harvesting the ripened grain. As the 
cold weather approached the farm work was 
lightened and he was given an opportunity to go 
to school. This he did for several successive win- 
ters, attending the .school taught in an old-fash- 
ioned log hou.se, meagerly furnished and desti- 
tute of all the conveniences now considered so es- 
sential to teaching. 

Upon attaining his majority, Mr. Wolf pur- 
chased from his father forty acres of timbered 
land, which he cleared and upon which he built 
a house. During the years that have since in- 
tervened, he has placed many modern improve- 
ments on the farm and has brought the land to a 
high state of cultivation. In all his undertak- 
ings, he has had the efficient co-operation of his 
wife, whom he married July 4, 1862. vShe liore 
the maiden name of liarbara Ritcler, and was 



born in Germany, March 3, 1S42. Her parents, 
John G. and Frances (Smith) Ritcler, came to 
America in 1S47, and settled in Dudley Town- 
ship, Hardin County, where her father engaged 
in farming, and also had a large trade in buying 
and selling land. He died here at the age of 
sixty-one, and his wife when eighty-eight. 

The famil\- of Mr, and Mrs. Wolf consisted of 
twelve children, namely: Barbara, who died in 
infancy; John George, who passed away at nine- 
teen years of age; Jacob, a resident of Hardin 
County; Lizzie, wife of William Pfeiffer, a farm- 
er here; Frederick A., who is an agriculturist 
of Goshen Township; Louisa, wife of Henry 
Raber, of Kenton; Peter William, Barbara M., 
George, William, Lena and Edward, all of whom 
are with their parents. The family attends the 
Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Wolf has 
taken an active part. Politically a Democrat, he 
h.is filled a ninnlier of local offices, including that 
(if Justice of the Peace, in which capacity he 
served for three \ears. 



-^-~ 



=+ 



ROBERT WALLACE RUNSER is one of the 
intluential farmers of Hardin County, his 
home being situated on section 35, Liberty 
Town.ship. Here he owns a quarter-section of 
valuable land, which is well adapted for general 
agriculture or exclusive grain or .stock raising. 
Eighty acres of Mr. Runser's po,s,se.s.sions came to 
him from his father, Ijut the remainder he has 
acquired through his own unaided effi3rts. 

Our subject was born in Sharp.sburg, Mercer 
County, Pa., June 14, 1845. His parents were 
Andrew and Isabella ( McDowell ) Run.ser, both 
natives of Al.sace, France. For a complete his- 
tory of this worthy couple we refer the reader to 
their biography elsewhere in this volume. 

Robert W. was about six years of age when the 
family came to Hardin Count}-, lience he attended 
his first school in this section. His advantages 



3o6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in that line were limited, and consisted of only a 
few months' schooling in each j-ear. On the out- 
break of the Civil War he volunteered his serv- 
ices, but, being a minor, was not accepted. In 
July, 1863, he enlisted again, and this time was 
mustered in as a member of Company B, Forty- 
fifth Ohio Infantry. Later he was transferred to 
the Fifty-first Infantrj-, from which regiment he 
was discharged at the expiration of his tenn of 
service, September 5, 1864, at \'ictoria, Tex. 
The first engagement in which he participated 
was at the siege of Atlanta. This was followed 
by the battles of Columbia, Spring Hill, Franklin 
and Nashville. 

On his return home from the battlefield Mr. 
Runser lived with his parents until the fall of 
1867, when he was married. His father then 
gave him as his portion of the estate eighty acres, 
on which he built a brick house, in which he 
has made his home ever since. He has added 
to the value of the place by erecting thereon a 
large barn and all the necessarj' outbuildings. 
About five acres of the eighty were cleared when 
he located upon the place, and fifteen acres were 
in a partial state of improvement. He has been 
verj- .succes.sful in his farming ventures, and as 
the years have passed has added to his estate until 
he is now the possessor of a quarter-section of 
land, besides valuable town property. 

November 27, 1867, Robert W. Runser and 
Mi.ss Jemima Patterson were united in marriage. 
The lady was born in Marion Township, Hardin 
Comity, May 7, 1846, and is the daughter of 
Samuel and Jane (Davis) Patterson. The father 
was born in Ireland in the year 1807, and came 
to the United States in 1815, first locating in 
Harrison County, Ohio. He was married to Mi.ss 
Davis in 1S31. 

To our subject and Iiis estimable wife were 
born six children. Minda Belle died when about 
twenty-two years of age; Chloe Eva is at home; 
Maggie Holmes is now the wife of O.scar High, 
who is farming on property located one mile south 
of Ada; and vSamuel Moody, Clara Jane and John 
Lenuiel complete the family. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Runser are members of the Methodist Kpi.scopal 
Church of Hunlersville. In politics the former 



is a stanch Republican, and on that ticket was 
elected to the position of Township Trustee. So 
well and efficiently did he fill the office that he 
was urged to become a candidate for the same 
office afterward, but refu.sed, preferring to give 
his attention to his private interests. 



v(§). ....^A4 ,(5)] 

■ | i i j i i l l ■ ! ■ A^^»^»^<i^«j»»^ » ^ » i | i i ^ i i { « 



Pj S. MADDOX, M. I)., a successful and 
lol prosperous young physician and surgeon of 
IqI Marion, has an excellent and rapidly in- 
crea.sing practice in his neighborhood, and as an 
energetic citizen is worthy of the confidence and 
esteem in which he is held. Our subject was 
born in Millburn, Kssex County, N. J., Decem- 
ber 8, i860, and is the son of Joseph Maddox, a 
native of Kentucky. The latter removed from 
the Blue Grass State to Connecticut, and at the 
time of his decea.se, in 1879, was living in Bridge- 
port. During the late war he rendered his coun- 
try valuable .service as ho.spital surgeon. 

The records state that more than three hun- 
dred years ago members of the Maddo.x family 
were living in both the states of Virginia and 
Maryland. As a complete history has never been 
kept of the family, we find it iinpo.ssible to give 
connectedly even the most prominent incidents in 
their lives, and must therefore begin with the 
grandfather, Smallwood Maddox, a native of Vir- 
ginia, who, it is stated, was a well-to-do farmer 
and served as a soldier in the War of 1812. 

The mother of Dr. Maddox was Cornelia (Bel- 
den) Maddox, a native of Connecticut, and a 
daughter of David Belden, of Newtown, Conn. 
Mrs. Maddox died in 1869, when our subject was 
nine years of age. The latter completed his lit- 
erar>' education in the Capitol City College of 
Trenton, N. J., in 1879. Soon after leaving 
.school he began to learn the drug business in 
Bridgeport, Conn., and for the following five 
years filled prescriptions. About this time he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



was seized with the western fever, and journeyed 
to Denver, Colo., from which place he made his 
way to San Francisco, Cal., wliere he engaged in 
the study of medicine. Returning at the end of 
two years as far east as Louisville, Ky., he en- 
tered the medical college in that cit\-, from which 
he was graduated in 1,884. After looking about 
for a suitable location, he finally removed to Fair- 
field, Franklin Count\', Ind., and remained there 
for two years, engaged in his practice. For a 
time thereafter he made his h(ime in Cincinnati, 
and in October, 1SS9, came to Marion, where he 
has built up a lucrative business in his profession. 
In September, 1893, he was appointed a member 
of the Pension Examining Board, of which he is 
vSecretary, and for the past two years has served 
asCouiUy Coroner. He belongs to the Ohio State 
Medical Society and is Vice-President of the Ma- 
rion County Medical Society. He is thoroughly 
devoted to the duties of his profession, and as an 
earnest, energetic citizen takes an interest in the 
local progress and leading movements of his home 
neighborhood and vicinitj', and is proving an im- 
portant factor in the upbuilding and advancement 
of the prominent enterprises of the day. Socially 
he is a Knight of Pythias, and in jiolitics votes 
the Democratic ticket. 



r^OBKRT PRKSTON, Jr., a .son of that ster- 
Ui ling old pioneer, Robert Preston, vSr., now 
l\ occupies the old homestead, lying on section 
I I, Marion Town.ship, Hardin County. He was 
born at old Wyandot Mission, in Upper Sandu.sky, 
this state, Februar}^ 16, 1831. His mother, who.se 
maiden name was Aim Powell, was married to 
Mr. Preston at Big Island, Marion County, about 
1830. 

The father of our subject was born in the city 
of York, Yorkshire, I{ngland, August 2, 1796, 
and came to America when a young man of tweii- 
t\' two years. The vessel on which he sailed was 
wrecked and he was cast upon an i.sland, on which 



he remained for sixteen days, and would have 
perished had he not been been rescued by fisher- 
men. He was taken by them to Quebec, whence 
he proceeded to this state, stopping first in Cin- 
cinnati, where he obtained employment in a liv- 
ery stalile. He worked but a short time when 
he was taken sick, and on recovering came to Big 
Island, Marion Coiuit\-, where his brother, who 
had preceded him to America, was living. He 
farmed on rented land in that vicinity for one sea- 
son, when he was installed as manager of the 
Mission Farm at I'pper Sandusky. He re- 
mained there for three years, and then removed 
to within three miles of tliat place, taking a ten- 
3'ear lea.se on the Wyandot Reserve. He contin- 
ued to make his home in that section for eighteen 
years, when he moved upon section 1 1 , a portion 
of our subject's farm. There he had entered a 
tract of four hundred and eighty acres .several 
years before coming to Hardin County, and after 
locating upon it lived here until his decease, No- 
vember II, 1878. He was a member of the 
United Brethren Church. 

Ann (Powell) Preston was born in Tadcaster, 
Yorkshire, England, December 20, 17S8, and 
died October 28, 1873. She was the daughter of 
Benjamin Powell, who came to America about 
1820. He and his wife are buried at Big Island, 
where they died shortly after emigrating hither. 
Ann was one of a family of four daughters and 
three .sons. The father of our subject had two 
brothers and one sister, John, William and Mary. 
By his union with Mi.ss Powell there were born 
two children: Robert, Jr., and Mary, now the 
wife of Alfred Ravi, a farmer on section 12, of 
this township. Ann Powell had been previously 
married to William Preston, the brother of our 
subject's father, by whom she became the mother 
of nine children. 

The original of this sketch lived in Upper San- 
duskj' until a lad of eleven years, when he came 
with his parents to Hardin County. Prior to this 
time he had only attended school for two weeks, 
but after locating here was a student in the 
.schools of Marion Township until reaching his 
majority. He remained at home working on the 
farm, gradually assuming the responsibility of its 



3o8 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



management, until the later years of his father's 
life, when the latter made his home with him. 

During the Civil War, Robert, of this sketch, 
enlisted at Camp Chase (Columbus, Ohio), be- 
coming a member of Company I, One Hundred 
and Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantr>^ Although enlisting 
in the one-hundred-day service, he was retained 
for four months and twelve days. During that 
time he was present at the battle fought at John 
Brown's schoolhouse, in western Virginia, but 
his principal duty was to guard the bridges, rail- 
roads, etc. He was nuistered out at Camp Chase 
in September, 1864. 

Our subject was married, September 11, 1853, 
at Huntersville, this county, to Miss Marj- Ellen, 
the daughter of James, Jr., and Catherine (Car- 
ver) Miller. She was born in Center County, 
Pa., June 14, 1833. Her father, who was also a 
native of that county, was born August 16, 1809. 
He in turn wms the son of James Miller, Sr., who 
died in the Keystone State, after his .son left for 
Ohio. The latter journeyed hither in 1836, set- 
tling first in Fulton County, where he lived some 
four years, when he came to Marion Township, 
Hardin County. Here he leased land for about 
eight years, and at the expiration of that time 
moved into Huntersville, where he worked at his 
trade as wagon-maker. He was a resident of that 
city at the time of his decease, July 16, 1882, 
when in his seventy-third year. 

Catherine Carver was born in Center County, 
Pa., August 5, 1810, and died in Huntersville, 
February 24, 1864. She Ijecame the mother of 
nine children, of whom Mrs. Preston was the 
eldest. James S. died near Scott's Cros.sing, in 
Hardin County; Nancj- Ann married Robert 
Clappen, of Washington Town.ship, Hardin Coun- 
ty; William A. died when a few months old; John 
is living in Huntersville; Dallas was killed at the 
battle of Cettysburg, July 3, 1863; Marilla, who 
married William Downing, is decea.sed; Maria 
Wilhelmina died when seven years of age; and 
William (the .second of tliat name) departed this 
life when three years old. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Preston there were granted 
seven children. Tabitha died at the age of one 
year; Alice married Sylve.ster Moore, and is liv- 



ing at McGuffey, this state; Sarah became the 
wife of John Potter, and is living in Cessna Town- 
ship; Margaret married John Wetherell, and lives 
in Liberty Township; William died when an in- 
fant; and Dallas and John are both at home. 

Mr. and Mrs. Preston are members of the United 
Brethren Church at McCufFey. In politics the 
former is a Republican, stanch and true. He be- 
longs to Carmen Post No. loi, C. A. R., at Ada, 
and is likewise a member of the Crange. For 
twelve j-ears he filled the responsible position of 
Constable. For many years he was Road Super- 
visor, holding the office first when twenty-one 
years old. He has also been a member of the 
School Board. 



^ '• Au^ .jtfc, jdta. ^Mfr" -Mt^ '^i^ 'Kn e^ zVif^.^H'^. 
CTJTC-^ TJM'l^ff t^ffrviK'. ^iC?-/ty. zyfyZ'Z-ft^ 



0E WITT C. SMITH, M. D., of Dunkirk, 
is one of the most progressive physicians of 
Hardin County. He is an influential Dem- 
ocratic politician, and is at present ser\-ing as 
Postmaster of this place, having been appointed 
to that position In' President Cleveland. How- 
ever, his professional duties require nearly all of 
his time, and therefore he relegates to his son 
Henry the management of the office. 

The Doctor's father, Henry Smith, was born 
in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 24, 18 13, 
and lived for some years in Richland County, 
later (about 1838) coming to this count)-. He 
settled on a farm near Kenton, and there spent 
his last days, dying in 1887. He was favorably 
esteemed by all who knew him, and at one time 
was Land Appraiser of his home township. His 
father, the grandfather of our subject, a native 
of Delaware, was a pioneer in Fairfield County, 
and was a hero of the War of 18 12. Henry 
Smith married Lydia McCarthy, of Columbiana 
County, Ohio, who departed this life in 1876. 
They became the parents of five sons and two 
daughters. Henry Neal is a farmer in the vicin- 
ity of Kenton; James owns a farm in Illinois; 
William, who went into the army as a private in 




c.tiiii Klin i.i.ii'l.l'ik. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



llie Eiglity-second Ohio Volunteers, was taken 
prisoner and died in the hands of the rebels at 
Florence, S. C. ; and Mitchell is an ay^riculturist 
near Kenton. 

Dr. Sniitli is a native of Kenton, born vSeptem- 
ber 14, 1849. He was given a good general edu- 
cation in the public schools, and afterwards com- 
pleted liis mental training at the normal of Ada. 
Ohio. Upon taking up medical studies, he had 
as his preceptor Dr. W. H. Phillips, a relialjle 
practitioner of Kenton. In 1874 Dr. vSmith was 
graduated with honor from the Miami Medical 
College of Cincinnati, since which time he has 
been engaged in practice at Dunkirk. He pros- 
pered from the first, and has succeeded in build- 
ing up an extensive and remunerative clientage. 
In the Masonic and Knights of Pythias orders 
he is a leading member, and is also identified 
with the Knights of Honor. On the 20th of 
April, 1875, the Doctor wedded Miss Belle Gil- 
nK)re, then a resident of Kenton. They ha\e 
had born to them three children: Henr\-, who is 
in charge of the postoffice; and two daughters, 
Maude Belle and Evelyn. 



Gl 






-^"^ 



^^' 



gODFRlKD LEFFLHR. Among the wealthy 
business men of Marion there are luimerous 
sons of the Fatherland, and of these there is, 
perhaps, no citizen who is better liked by all than 
Mr. Leffler. He has a beautiful home, surrounded 
by several acres of land, lying on the outskirts 
of the city. His whole time is necessarily devoted 
to his large business interests, and for that reason 
he has never found time to accept any political 
office, though he has been frequently urged to do 
so by his many friends. He is identified with 
many of the leading enterprises of the city, being 
a stockholder in the Marion Manufacturing Com- 
pany, the Gas Company, the Street Railroad 
Company, the Electric Light Company, the Farm- 
ers' and Mechanics' Bank, the Malleable Iron 



Works, the Marion Brewing and Bottling Com- 
pany, the Pendergast Lumber Company, the 
Opera House, and many others. His wealth was 
acquired in the legitimate channels of contracting 
and building and by judicious investments. As 
monuments to his skill stand nearly all of the 
public buildings in this city, and for years he also 
carried on a general mercantile trade. 

Our sul)ject was Iiorii in Baden, Germany, Oc- 
tober 15, 1829, being a .son of Micliael Leffler, 
who farmetl in a small wa\- in his native land. 
Grandfather Leffler was born in the .same house 
in which Michael and our subject first saw the 
light. He died at the age of seventy-eight, and 
his wife when fift^'-five years <ild. Michael Lef- 
fler came to the United vStates in 1854, settling in 
Marion. ()hii). He was tlie father of ten children, 
one of whom died in childhood, while the others 
grew to maturity and came to the shores of the 
New Worki. One sister and fi.iur brothers of our 
subject are still living. Jacob and Martin en- 
listed during the late war, the former being killeil 
at Chattanooga, and the latter dying near Wash- 
ington, while in the service. Andrew and Chris- 
tian also fought for the Old Flag. The former was 
wounded, but recovered, and is now in business 
in Marion, while the latter is engaged in farming 
in Mis.souri. John and Frederick both reside in 
this countw and tlie last-named is a prosperous 
farmer. Barbara is the wife of Christ Hauk, a 
farmer near Ago.sta, Ohio. 

Godfried Leffler received but a conunon-school 
education, and when he was only fifteen years of 
age commenced learning the stonemason's trade. 
In 1850 he .settled in New York State, where he 
became a brickmason, and in 1854 he moved to 
this region, Ininging with him le.ss than $25 as 
his .sole capital, but from the start he made money 
and prospered. 

In 1 85 1 Mr. Leffler married Loui.sa Wissinger, 
also a native of Gennany. She crossed the At- 
lantic with her father, who was a mason l)y trade, 
in 1847. Her brother Jacob is a wealthy pub- 
lisher and lithographer of New York City. To 
our .subject and wite have been born the following 
children; Jacob, a leading bu.siness man of this 
citv; Charles W., the well known County Trea.s- 



312 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



urer; John, who is a merchant tailor of this place; 
Louisa, wife of Fred Gottschall, an extensive 
drj'-goods merchant of Columbus, Ohio; and 
Bertha, wife of Oswald Wooleubear, a bookkeeper 
and stockholder in the Pendergast Lumber Com- 
pany. The children have all been given liberal 
educations and a good start in life. The parents 
are prominent members of the Protestant Evangel- 
ical Church, and Mr. Leffler is a leading member 
of the Odd Fellows' fraternity. 



30HN O. GORDON, who is greatly honored 
as a veteran of the Civil War, is an exten- 
sive land-owner of Marion Township, Hardin 
County, his home place being located on section 
2. Throughout the count}- he is regarded as an 
enterprising and practical agriculturist, one who 
has succeeded in his various undertakings far be- 
yond his expectations. 

Mr. Gordon was born in Ashland County, Ohio, 
November 3, 1833. His father, George Gordon, 
was of Scotch descent, and died in Pennsylvania, 
a few months prior to the birth of our .subject. 
Mrs. Gordon soon afterward came to this state 
in company with a brother, and lived here until 
her decease. She was known in maidenhood as 
Hannah Clinker, and was born in Monroe Coun- 
ty, Pa., in 1801. 

To George and Hannah Gordon were born five 
children, tho.se besides our subject being Joseph, 
George W., Harrison and Marj- I<Uvira. Mrs. 
Gonlon was married a second time, and by this 
union had two children. 

Our subject grew to mature years in Ashland 
County, and until fourteen years of age prosecuted 
his .studies in the subscription .schools. About 
this time occurred an unpleasant scene with his 
stepfather, and he decided to leave home, which 
he did, bare-footed and without a hat. He hired 
out to work for a taiuier at Ashland, receiving 
$6 per month, his duty being to grind bark. He 
remained in his employ for two months, after 



which he w-orked for a stepbrother for two sea- 
sons, driving a .span of horses hitched to a thresh- 
ing-machine. After that he continued to live 
with his stepbrother, working at farming for 
several seasons, and when there was no longer 
need for his ser\-ices hired out by the day .to other 
farmers in the neighborhood. 

April 3, 1854, our subject left Ashland County, 
bound for California. He cros.sed the plains with 
a wagon train, reaching Sacramento Citj- August 
29. He joined his stepbrother and worked for 
him for a time; then the two entered into part- 
nership and farmed for one season. After dispos- 
ing of their crop they started for the mines in 
Nevada County, Cal. They had verj- fair luck, 
and continued in one place for four years, en- 
gaged in placer-mining. Then they returned 
home, remaining for one winter, when thej- re- 
traced their steps to the Golden State, and spent 
the following year in buying and selling ponies. 
At the end of that time they again came to Ohio, 
and in December, i860, our subject settled in 
Cessna Township, Hardin County, purchasing 
seventy-one acres of land. He made his home 
there tnitil after the close of the war, when he 
disposed of his property, and became the owner 
of another tract in the .same township. In Sep- 
tember, 1867, he bought eighty acres on section 
2, and lived upon it until 1884, when he added 
to it fifty-five acres adjoining. This estate he 
occupied until the fall of 1894, when he removed 
into a large brick house which he had ju.st built. 
Mr. Gordon owns besides this tract twenty acres 
adjoining, and a tract of one hundred and twenty 
acres, near which place his wife also owns a farm 
of eighty acres. 

In the fall of 1864 our subject enlisted in the 
Union army, as a member of Company K, One 
Hundred and Kightieth Ohio Infantry. The 
regiment was first assigned to guard duty in Ten- 
nessee, thence was ordered to W'a.shington, then 
through Virginia to Kingston, N. C, where oc- 
curred the first battle in which it participated. It 
later went to Washington, D. C, and pa.ssed in 
review before President Lincoln, after which the 
One Hundred and Eightieth was mu.stered out 
and discharged at Columbus, Ohio. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Mr. Gordon wa.s married, April 7, 1864, to Miss 
Sarah, daughter of John L. and Nancy ( Brown) 
Snider. She was born in Hardin County, Ohio, 
February 4, 1843. Her father was the son of 
John and Mary ( Antebu.s) Snider, natives of 
Pennsylvania. Nancy Brown was the daughter 
of John and Martha (Carpenter) Brown, Vir- 
ginians by birth. Of their family of five daugh- 
ters, Mrs. Gordon was the j-oungest. The otliers 
were Minerva Jane, Margaret Ann, Parmelia Eliz- 
abetli and Mary Dorinda. 

Mrs. Gordon is a devoted member of the Metli- 
odi.st Episcopal Church. In politics our subject 
is a Democrat, and has been Director of his school 
di.strict. They took into their home to rear Sadie 
Artist, who was born in this county, November 
14, 1873. She is now the wife of William Henry 
Hetrick and they reside on a farm belonging to 
our subject. The father of the latter was a sol- 
dier in the War of 1S12, holding a commis.sioned 
office. He died later from the effects of a wound 
received while in the service. He was a noted 
teacher in his district and was engaged at that 
vocation the day of his death. His wife departed 
this life February 7, 1862. 



QKRNARD MATHKWS was one of the 
10 worthy old pioneers of Hardin County, and 
\ZJ for fortj'-six years made his dwelling-place 
in Cessna Township. At the time of his death, 
which occurred August 23, 1S91, he was the 
owner of two hundred and eighty acres of valu- 
able land, the result of his years of well directed 
effort and industry. In all public affairs he was 
greatly interested, and at all times did he mani- 
fest his devotion to the general welfare. 

Mr. Mathews was born in Dublin, Ireland, 
April 14, 1 80 1, being one of ten children whose 
parents were John and Mary Mathews. Several 
of the sons were sailors. In 183 1 our subject 
married Ellen Clinton, who was born in James- 
town, Ireland, in 18 12. By this union the fol- 



lowing children were liorn: Mar)- Ellen, who 
married James Garrit}-, a contractor; John, un- 
married, and a resident of Washington; James 
C, who wedded Teresa Kennedy, and lives in 
Colorado; M. R., a ranchm.m of Colorado, and 
whose wife W'as formerly Lizzie Curtain; Corne- 
lius M., also unmarried, of Colorado; Lncy P., a 
Sister of Charity; Joseph C. ; Clotilda, wife of 
Daniel Flaimigan, an editor at Kenton, Ohio; 
Alfred, who married Mary Bremien; and Jerome, 
who is unmarried and living in Colorado. 

In March, 1834, Bernard Mathews left his na- 
tive isle, and, taking passage in a .sailing-vessel, 
was tossed to and fro upon the Atlantic for seven 
weeks. From New York Cit}- the young man 
proceeded direct to Columbus, Ohio. Later he 
came to this localit\-, and as soon as possible 
purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Pleas- 
ant Township. After a year had passed he 
bought a faru) on section 24, in Cessna Town- 
ship. He it was who cut the first stick of timber 
on the place, and when he had cleared a space 
put up a log cabin, 16x24 feet. In 1882 he re- 
tired and went to make his home in Kenton, 
where his .son had bought a house and lot for 
him, and here he spent his remaining days, dying 
in August, 1892. He was buried in St. Mary's 
Cemetery at Kenton, by the side of his wife, who 
preceded him to the silent land by a few \-ears, 
her demise having taken place January 4, 1884. 
In his political faith he was a Democrat, and in 
religious belief he was a Catholic. A man of 
fine education, he helped to organize the schools 
in this township, and at various times was called 
upon to serve as Director, Town.ship Clerk, etc., 
making a good record for himself and for his con- 
stituents. 

At Kenton, (5hio, January 17, 1882, Jo.seph C. 
Mathews was united in marriage with Melinda, 
daughter of Louis and Henrietta (Neip) Apple, 
natives of Germany. Mrs. Mathews was one of 
eight children, and was born July 12, 1857. Her 
father, after accunuilating a fortune in Harris- 
burg, Pa., returned to Germany on account of 
failing health, and while there she received a 
German education. After a sojourn of three years 
in Germany, Mr. Apple, with his family, returned 



314 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPH'CAL RECORD. 



to America and settled in Kenton, Ohio. Mrs. 
Mathews finished her education in the convent 
of Mt. Notre Dame, Reading, Hamilton County, 
Ohio. She was a convert to the Catholic faith, 
and a ladj' whose noble character won the regard 
of her acquaintances, and whose charitj' to the 
poor was well known. Possessing great attrac- 
tions of face and manner, her heart was as humble 
as her face was handsome. She died January- 19, 
1891, and was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery at 
Kenton. The happiness of her life had been cen- 
tered in the welfare of her hu.sband, to whom she 
was a devoted helpmate and wise counselor. 
They were the parents of four sons, namely: 
John C, born March g, 1883; Francis X., De- 
cember 25, 1884; Bernard J., February 9, 1887; 
and George A., January 13, 1891. 

In May, 1870, Mr. Mathews went to Douglas 
County, Colo., where during a two-years stay 
he was engaged in the cattle business. He re- 
ceived a good education, first going to school in a 
log house near his home, and later attending a 
Cincinnati college for one term. He taught suc- 
cessfully for a term or so in Colorado, and for 
seven terms in this county. Since 1873 he has 
managed the old homestead with marked ability, 
doing a general farming and stock-raising busi- 
ness. He is a Democrat in politics, and a mem- 
ber of the Catholic Church at Kenton. 



=+ 



+^ 



(lAMES W. DKVORI-:, M. I),, was for years 
I one of the well known medical practitioners 
v2/ of Marion County. At the time of his death 
he owned seven hundred acres of valuable land, 
and in his home farm there were four hundred 
acres alone. His widow is now living there, sur- 
rounded by comforts which his care provided. 
For upwards of forty years lie continued in active 
practice in this locality, and though he com- 
menced life in poor circumstances he amassed a 
fortune through earnest and persistent effort. He 



was a member of the Masonic order, a friend to 
education and to all public improvements. In 
1869 he was elected on the Democratic ticket to 
the State Legislature, and served for four years. 
He also held town.ship offices, and was Treasurer 
for one term. He was called to his last reward 
May 25, 1890, and was buried in Claridon Ceme- 
tery. 

The paternal grandfather of the Doctor was 
Porter Devore, who was of French descent. His 
son, Cornelius, father of our subject, was born in 
Pennsylvania, and on reaching man's estate mar- 
ried Marj' Porter, who bore him six children. 
Sarah, who died in 1884, was the wife of George 
Hosinger; Jacob departed this life in 1874; Sam- 
uel is a resident of Galion; Daniel died in child- 
hood; and Nanc\- died in 1892. 

Dr. Devore was born in Knox County, Ohio, 
near the village of Mt. Vernon, May 25, 1827, 
and was reared on a farm. When he was a lad 
of ten years his parents removed to Morrow Coun- 
ty, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. When 
fifteen years of age he began learning the potter's 
trade, at which he was employed for a year. He 
then continued his studies for about two years, 
after which he took up medicine under the in- 
struction of Drs. McWright and Geller, at Mt. 
Gilead. Going to Cincinnati, the young man 
took a two years course at the Eclectic Medical 
College, from which in.stitution he graduated in 
1850. Not long afterward he settled in this town- 
ship, where he practiced the remainder of his life 
and met with success in ever)- way. He settled 
on and improved a tract of wild land, which is 
now one of the finest farms in the county. 

April 10, 1850, Dr. Devore married Alice M., 
daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth (Kimball) Mar- 
tin. Mrs. Devore was born in the Keystone 
State, October 27, 1831. Her eldest child, Min- 
nie J., was married, November iS, 1874, to Mel- 
viu Aye, and has two children: Lillie, born No- 
vember 17, 1876, and Gertrude L., July 10, 1883. 
Mr. Aye owns a farm, but re.sides in Marion. 
Julia, the second daughter, died in 1856. Floy 
L. is matron in the Girls' Industrial Home 
School of Delaware, Ohio. Martha E. and Min- 
erva V. live at home; and Mary E., the young- 




AI.IU'KT C. Alll.l'.li:i,l) 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



317 



est, was iiuinii.-il, October 24, iSy4, to Gcort^e E. 
Ilaiky, an altornej'-at-law of Chicago. The faiii- 
ilv have hmi; been numbered among the most 
honored and respected ones of the townsliip, 
where thev have hosts of friends. 



-we) >!• 



GILBERT G. AHLEFELD, llie Po.stmaster of 
f I Kenton, is greatly respected for tho.se quali- 
/ I ties of head and heart which have won for 
him the esteem and confidence of all with whom 
he a.ssociates. He is popular in his official capac- 
ity, discharging the duties of his position with 
characteristic fidelity and greatly to the satisfac- 
tion of all concerned. 

Our subject was born in Ada, Ohio, June 25, 
1859, and is the son of Nathan Ahlefeld, a native 
of Richland County, this .state, where his birth 
occurred in iS^y. His father, Rinehart Ahlefeld, 
was a German by l>irth, and came to this country 
when a young man. He had learned the trade 
of a millwright in his native land, and on mak- 
ing his home in America operated a flouring-mill 
in Ohio for a time. In 1S49 he purchased a farm 
just across the line in Allen County. He later sold 
that, however, and bought one near the city of 
Ada, where he lived until his death. 

Nathan Ahlefeld, one of the most prominent 
residents of Hardin County, was Auditor in 1869. 
He was also many years ago one of the Board of 
Managers of the Ohio Penitentiary, to which po- 
sition he was appointed under the administration 
of Ciovernor Campbell. Of late years, however, 
he has turned his attention to dealing in real es- 
tate, and is the owner of many pieces of valuable 
property within the limits of this city. 

Prior to her marriage, the mother of our sub 
ject was Celia Wyley, daughter of Dr. Isaac Wy- 
ley, a prominent phy.sician of this .state, who prac- 
ticed at Middletown and Cincinnati. Her brother. 
Dr. Albert Wyley, held the responsible Govern- 
ment position of Indian Agent during President 
Grant's administration, and was also a Senator 



in Kansas. He is now residing in Trinidad, 
Colo., where he is engaged in the practice of his 
profession. 

Mr. Ahlefeld, of this sketch, was an only .son. 
He obtained a good education in the common 
schools of Ada, after which he attended a Cath- 
olic .school at Dayton, Ohio. After completing 
his studies in that institution he spent some time 
on the home farm, and in iSSy he engaged in the 
real-estate business with his father in Kenton, 
and was thus employed when, in April, 1894, he 
was appointed Postmaster, taking charge of the 
office May 6 of that \ear. He has always taken 
a verj- prominent part in the jiolitics of this city, 
and is very influential in Democratic circles. Since 
a.ssuming charge of the office in Kenton, he has 
instituted many reforms and improvements, such 
as adding to tlie force on free delivery. He 
stands high in .social orders antl is a prominent 
Knight of Pythias. 

Mr. Ahlefeld was married, in 1885, to Miss 
Florence Reese, daughter of John Reese, of Ken- 
ton. To them were l)orn two chiklren, Nathan 
(decea.sed ) and Kale. 



^#e= 



RliV. LEROV A. HI<;LT, I). D., Presiding 
Elder of the Eindlay District of the Method- 
i.st Epi.scopal Church, was Ijorn in Delaware 
County, Ohio, January 13, 1837. He is a mem- 
ber of a family long and honorably associated 
with the history of Maryland, where his father, 
Alvin T., was born in 18117. The paternal grand- 
father died in the prime of life, and his widow 
later became the wife of vSanuiel Bradford, who 
was an extensive .slave-owner, in Maryland, but 
becoming convinced that the institution was 
wrong he freed his slaves, excepting the old peo- 
ple and the little children, who were not able to 
care for themselves. These he brought with him 
to Ohio, l)Ut gave them ab.solute freedom in every 



3i8 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



respect. At the time of his death, in 1852, he 
was serving as warden of the Ohio Penitentiary. 

The j-outhful years of Alvin T. Helt were 
passed in Maryland, where the family, originally 
from Scotland, had been repre.sented for many 
generations. While a resident of Beltsville he 
was an ofiicer of the Methodist Chnrch. In 1831 
he came to Ohio and settled in Delaware County, 
in the midst of the wilderness, from which he 
cleared and improved a valuable farm, devoting 
his attention jirincipally to agricultural pursuits. 
After coming to this state he retained his interest 
in the Methodist Church, and continued for many 
y€ars a prominent member of that denomination. 
His death occurred in 1873. 

The mother of our subject was Barbara Mead, 
a native of the Green Mountain State and the 
daughter of vSetli Mead. Her maternal grand- 
father was a noted Scotch soldier, who took an 
active part in the religious revolution in his na- 
tive country, and who attained the great age of 
one hundred and four. His daughter was one 
hundred years of age at the time of herdeatli. In 
1 83 1 vSelh Mead brought his family to Ohio, 
where he followed the profession of an attorney, 
becoming quite prominent in his locality. Among 
his sons was Daniel, formerly a well known rail- 
road coiitractt)r, who died in Chicago. 

The .subject of this sketch is an only son. He 
has two si.sters. Mrs. Knnna Blanchard was the 
founder of the Girls' Industrial .School of Indian- 
apolis, to which she devotes her entire time; El- 
nora is the wife of Prof. J. P. Patterson, Super- 
intendent of the parish schools at Pen.sacola, Fla. 
Dr. Belt sjicnt his boyhood days on his father's 
farm, doing the work incident to the proper 
management of tiie land and receiving his early 
education in the neigliboring schools. At the age 
of about eighteen he entered the Ohio We.sleyan 
College at Delaware, from which he was gradu- 
ated in 1861, having ])rei)ared liimself for the 
ministry of tlie Methodist Church. 

At once after graduating Dr. Bell joined the 
Central Ohio Conference, and was first sent to 
\'an Wert, in charge of the church at that place. 
Later lie filled i)uii)its at Wapakoneta, Ottawa, 
Bellefontaine, Marion and Toledo. In 1871 he 



was given tlie responsible position of Presiding 
Elder of the Toledo District, and at the expira- 
tion of his term of office he was appointed Finan- 
cial Secretary of the Central Ohio Conference for 
the purpose of receiving money to endow a pro- 
fessorship in the university. To this work he 
devoted four years, accomplishing the great task. 
The degree of D. D. was conferred upon him in 
1 88 1 by Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa. 

On completing his work as Financial Secretary 
Dr. Belt became pa.stor of St. Paul's Methodist 
Epi.scopal Church at Toledo, and for the second 
time was in charge of the church at Marion. 
Then followed several years' work as Presiding 
Elder of the Delaware, and later the Bellfontaine, 
District. As above stated, he is now Presiding 
Elder of the Findlay District, making four differ- 
ent districts over which he has presided. He has 
been one of the most indefatigable and .successful 
workers tlie church has ever had in the state, as 
well as one of the deepest thinkers and most elo- 
quent speakers. A delegate to the general con- 
ferences of his church at Baltimore, Cincinnati, 
Philadelphia, New York and Omaha, he has 
kept in close touch with the work throughout the 
entire country. He was for four years a member 
of the Book Conunittee, which arranges the sal- 
aries of the bi.shops and has the supervision of the 
publications of the church. As a speaker he is 
eloquent, forcible and logical, and an able exec- 
utive officer and financial manager. 

The first marriage of Dr. Belt was in 1861, 
when Miss Rachel Burgett, of Pickaway County, 
Ohio, became his wife. This lady died in Dela- 
ware, Ohio, in 1888, after having had five chil- 
dren. One son died when nine years old, and 
another son in infancy. Hattie, who was the 
wife of Prof William Tru.sdale, of Cleveland, died 
in 1S93. Two sons survive: Dr. William A., a 
physician of Kenton; and Harry, a medical stu- 
dent at Indiana])olis. The pre.sent wife of Dr. 
Belt was Mrs. Anna I,. Runkle, widow of Oak 
Runklc, and mother of Capt. Hugh Runkle, 
Cashier of the Kenton National Bank, and Mrs. 
Charles Roser. 

For .several years Dr. Belt has made his home 
in Kenton, where he has a fine residence and 



PORTKAIT AND I'.KH iUArillCAL KIOCOKI). 



319 



other valuablL- jnupcrly, iiichuling a farm a mile 
out of the city. To sucli men as he tlie Method- 
ist Church owes its high rank among otlier de- 
nominations of the country. His interest in all 
that will promote the spiritual condition of man- 
kind and the moral and intellectual welfare of 
society makes him a \'alued citizen of Kenton, 
where he wields a decided inlluence for good. 
Wherever he is known his noble attributes of 
character are recognized and \alued, and also the 
spirit of philanthropy wdiich governs all his ac- 
tions and wins for him friends, not only among 
the poor and unfortunate, but also among the rich. 
Politically the Doctor is a Republican, with strong 
Prohibition proclivities. 



3AMK.S N. McCOV. The record of the life 
of this gentleman will be read with interest, 
not only from the fact that he occupies a ])o- 
sition of prominence among the business men of 
Kenton, but also because it illustrates the power 
of self-reliance and untiring iier.severance. Karly 
obliged to become self-su])porting, contact with 
the world developed in him the traits of energy, 
indu.stry and determinaticm, which are among his 
leading characteristics. He is the senior member 
of the firm of J. N. McCoy iV Sun, proprietors of 
a large drug .stt)re in Kenton, the success of which 
enterprise is largely- due to his ability and judici- 
ous management. 

The subject of this sketch is a member of a 
family of Scotch Co\x-nanters, who left their na- 
tive land and settled in the North of Ireland 
during the religious resolution. His grandfather, 
Neal McCoy, was born in the latter place, but 
emigrated to America when a )oung man, and 
spent his remaining years in Peiui.sylvania. The 
youngest of his six sons was Alexander, our sub- 
ject's father, who was born in Pennsylvania in 
I Soo, and came to Ohio in 1825, remaining in 
Wayne County luitil his death, in 1840. In re- 



ligious belief he was a member ol the Associate 
Presbyterian Church. He was a stanch advo- 
cate of anti-slavery, when the tiueslion ol' slavery 
began to agitate the people, and though he ilied 
long before the Civil War, he foresaw its coming. 

vSix months before the death of Alexander Mc- 
Coy, his wife pa.ssed from earth. She bore the 
maiden name of P^izabcth lilack, and was a na- 
tive of PennsN'Ivania and of .Scotch-Irish ances- 
try. Her forefathers were prominent mendiers of 
the Associate Pre.sb>terian Church, an<l were peo- 
ple of great piety and nobility of character. .She, 
Um), was a dex'out Christian, and led a consistent 
life, her sweetness of disixisition wiiniing the 
friendship of all who knew her. 

Our subject was born in Wa\ne Count\-, near 
Wooster, Ohio, l'Y-bruar>' 3, 1827. Of six chil- 
dren, he was next to the eldest. His brother, 
Robert, was a photogra])her at Brazil, Ind., where 
he died. He had fmir sisters, of whom two sur- 
vive, namely: Mrs. Mary McGaughey, of Mans- 
field, Ohio; and Mrs. KHzabeth McI'Uroy, a widow 
residing in Scotland, Ind. James N. was but 
thirteen years old when his parents died, anil 
at that age he started out to make his own way 
in life. Learning the tabinet-maker's trade, he 
worked at that occu]>atiou four years, but having 
had only limited edui'ational advantages prior to 
that time, he decided to enter the schools of Woos- 
ter, which he tlid, conducting his studies there 
for a time. 

Upon leaving scliool, Mr. McCoy entered a 
drugstore as clerk. In 1.S511 he went to Cali- 
fornia, making the trip oserland and suffering 
nuieli hardship on the wa\'. l'ro\isions l)eing 
.scarce, he was obligi'd to snl)sist for some time on 
parched corn, but fniall)' reached his destination 
in safety. He spent six > ears in the gold fields, 
meeting with lair success, after which he returned 
to Ohio, and in 1860 came to Kenton. In this 
city, a.ssoeiated with Dr. A. W. Mnnson, he em- 
barked in the drug business. When the war 
broke out. Dr. Mun.sou withdrew to enter the 
army, and Mr. McCoy associated with himself 
Dr. J. S. Pollock. At the close of the Rebellion 
Dr. Mnnson again l)ecame his ])artner, and con- 
tinued as such until 1868, when our subject be- 



320 



I'OUTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



came the sole proprietor. A few years ago he 
took his son, R. H., into partnership, and the 
two c-ontinue the bnsiness whicli he started tliir- 
tj--five years ago. 

Aside from this, Mr. McCoy lias had other im- 
portant interests. For a number of years he has 
been extensively engaged in farming. He was 
one of the original stockholders in the Water 
Works Company, and when it was sold to the 
city he was made one of the Trustees. In the 
organization of the Scioto Gas Company he as- 
sisted, and is now a Director in the concern. He 
is also a Director of the Building and Loan Sav- 
ings Company, and is a stockholder of the vSmith 
Silk Machine Tool Company. From this it will 
be .seen that he is closely identified with manj' of 
the most important enterprises of the city. Every 
measure having for its object the promotion of 
the welfare of the people receives his cordial sup- 
port. He has labored in e\ ery way possible to 
promote the growth of the city and advance its 
social, moral and commercial interests. His life 
has been an e.Kemplary one, and for many years 
he has been an Elder in the United Presbyterian 
Church. 

In 1856 occurred the union in marriage of J. N. 
McCoy and Miss Rebecca Black, of Wooster, Ohio. 
Mrs. McCoy is a member of a pioneer family, 
of Wooster, and is a lady of refined character, 
whose happiness has centered in the welfare of 
her children. Three sons survive, one .son and a 
daughter having died in childhood. The eldest 
son, Dr. C. D. McCoy, is a graduate of the Ken- 
ton High School and Monmouth College, at Mon- 
mouth, 111., where he spent four years. Eater he 
was graduated from Ru.sh Medical College of 
Chicago, and for the past five years has been a 
practicing physician of Kent(jn. The second son, 
R. IE, is a graduate of the College of Pharmacy 
in Chicago, and the National College of Phar- 
macy, of the .same place, and is now in the drug 
business with his father. Tlie youngest son, 
W. E., is studying pharmacy in the Ohio Nor- 
mal l^niversity at Ada. 

A life-long Rei>ublicau in politics, Mr. McCoy 
has, however, never taken an active ])art in ])ublic 
affairs, preferring to give his attention to his 



business affairs. He is well informed concerning 
the issues of the age, and is posted upon local 
and national questions. To .such citizens as he 
the city of Kenton owes its prosperity and the 
steady advance of its material interests. 



^01 T(5> . 






(si l<i) 



HON. BOSTON G. YOUNG, a prominent at- 
torney of Marion, has had an extensive and 
lucrative practice for many years, and is one 
of the recognized leaders of the Democratic party 
of the Thirteenth Congressional District. In 1883 
he was elected to the State Legislature, and was 
twice re-elected, sending altogether three succes- 
sive terms, with honor lx»th to himself and to his 
constituents. His name has been frequently men- 
tioned in the Democratic convention as a candi- 
date for yet higher honors, and in the fall of 1894 
he was tendered the nomination for Congress. 
His well known ability and wide-spread popular- 
ity would have given him a jilace in the National 
House of Rei)re.senlalives had it not been for the 
great Rei)ublican land.slide that swept the whole 
country and carried him, along with many others 
illustrious in his party, to defeat. The victor, 
however, familiarly known as "Uncle" Stephen 
Harris, of Bucyrus, Ohio, received but a small 
majority, and the many friends of Mr. Young are 
not at all discouraged, but are more than ever 
determined to place him where they wish to see 
him eventually, high in the councils of the nation. 
Mr. Young was born on a farm in Washington 
County, Pa., February 2, 1850. His father, 
Stewart Young, was born in County Tyrone, in 
the North of Ireland, antl came to the Ihiited 
States when a young man. He engaged in farm- 
ing in Washington County, Ohio, whither he 
came in the early '50s, and .some years later he 
went to Champaign County, 111., where he is still 
living. Boston was a mere lad when his parents 
moved to the Prairie State, and there he received 
the rudiments of an education in the country 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



321 



schools. Subsequently lie entered Grand Prairie 
Seminary, and when in his twenty-third year was 
enrolled as a student in tlie Ohio W'esleyan Uni- 
versity at Delaware. 

In 1S75 Mr. Young took up the study of law in 
the office of Hon. W. Z. Davis of Marion, and two 
years later was admitted to the liar. The same 
year he was elected Pro.secntint; yVtloniey of Ma- 
rion County, and held the office for a few terms, 
giving ample proof of his ability and executive 
genius even thus early in his profe.ssional career. 
From that time to the present his progress has 
been rapid and notable, and he is especially fort- 
unate in having as his partner J. C. Johnson, 
who is al.so a man of unusual ability. Although 
greatly engrossed with political interests, Mr. 
Young does not neglect the duties that rest ujion 
him as a citizen, and is alwa3'S active in the pro- 
motion of the community's best interests. He is 
President of the Board of Education, and is a 
friend to good schools and atlvanced systems of 
teaching. 

In 1882 Mr. Young was united in marriage 
with Anna Irey, daughter of a prominent farmer 
of this comity, and two children, a daughter and 
son, have come to brighten their home. They 
are named Ethel and Hector, and are eleven and 
six years of age, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. 
Young have hosts of sincere friends, and are 
highly esteemed by all who have the pleasure of 
their acquaintance. 












ORGAN E. BURKE is manager of one of 
llie largest and best equipped flouring-mills 
in the county of Marion. For a number 
of years prior to 1882 he was the sole proprietor 
of an establishment in Green Camp, but that 
year he purchased the mill in Mt. Victory. In 
iSgo he formed a stock company and Ijuilt the 
mill at Agosta. In iSgi he came to Marion, 
where he assisted in the organization of the Mar- 
ion City Roller Miils, and was elected manager 



of the concern. However, he still retains his in- 
terest in the other mills. 

Mr. Burke was born in Ross County, this .state, 
October i, 1S43. His father, Abraham Burke, 
was born in the same locality, and throughout 
life followed agriculture. He died in 1847, when 
our subject was about Ibiu' years of age. His fi- 
ther, ICdward Burke, was a native of Ireland, 
whence he crossed the Atlantic when a young 
man, and thereal'ter made his home in this coun- 
try. 

The mother of our snlijei't, Mrs Rebecca (Da- 
vis) Burke, was a native of Pike County, this 
state. ,Shc liecamethe mother of six children, and 
died in 1855. Morgan E. was the \-oiuige.st iiiem- 
l)er of the family and at the present time has only 
one brother living, Marshall, who is conducting 
a thriving milling business at Ci ilumijus. Madison 
Burke, another brother, served as a soldier dur- 
ing the Civil War in the First Ohio Artillery. 
After a life of three years spent on the battlefield 
he returned home, and from that time until his 
death, in 1891, was a farmer by occupation. His 
estate was a well imju-ox-ed and valuable tract 
of land, and was jileasantly and convenienth- lo- 
cated near Columbus. 

Our subject was but twelve years of age when 
he was doul)ly orphaned. Although his advan- 
tages for getting an education were verj' limited 
up to that time, he was obliged to commence to 
make his own way in life. Being withont a 
home, he went to Chillicotlie, and in tliat city en- 
tered a mill, with the determination to learn the 
business in all its details. He was still thus en- 
gaged at the outl)reak of the war, and believing 
that his duty lay in .serving his country in this, 
her time of peril, he enlisted in Company B, First 
Ohio Artillery, being in the front for three years. 
During that time he participated in many of the 
noted engagements of the war, and was always 
present to answer to the roll-call. 

On the establishment of (leace, Mr. l?urkewent 
to Columbus and engaged in nulling, there re- 
maining until 187 1. Thai \ear he changed his 
location to Green Cam]), this connty, where he 
was similarly emjiloyed until 1882. As stated in 
another paragrajih, Mr. lUirke is manager of a 



322 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



mill ill Mt. Victorj' and Agosta. He is thorough- 
ly qualified to fill this responsible position, and 
from his long experience in this line and thorough 
knowledge of all that relates thereto his services 
are greatly in demand. 

Our subject was married, in iS6S, to Miss Alice, 
daughter of Austin Funk. She was born in 
Madison County, this state, where her father was 
a prominent merchant. To Mr. and Mrs. Rurke 
there have been born three children: Elting A., 
engaged with his father in the mills; Lucretia 
Garfield and Morgan E. In politics he is a Re- 
publican, tried and true, and is also prominent as 
a Grand Army man, belonging to Coleman As- 
bury Post No. 257. .Socially he is an Odd Fel- 
low of good standing. 



^NATHAN H. WIvHH was elected on the Re- 
yj publican ticket in iiS93 to his present posi- 
l/i) tioii as Justice of the Peace of Jack.son Town- 
ship, Hardin County. He has made his home in 
the village of Forest for several years, but he is 
well known, not only hereabouts, but in various 
portions of the state, as a hotel-keeper of .some 
thirty years' standing. He has been retired from 
this business only for the past five years, since 
which time he has devoted him.self more than 
ever to politics and public affairs. 

The parents of our subject, Henjamin and Lois 
f Hart ) Webb, natives of Maine and New Jersey, 
respectively, were among the early settlers of 
Ohio. In i.Si2the former went to Muskingum 
County with his father. Dr. Benjamin Webb, who 
was a skillhd physician for his day. The di.sease 
known as the "cold plague" was prevalent in 
Muskingum County about the time of his arrival 
there, and death was the almost inevitable con.sc- 
fiuence. After much hard study he adopted a 
plan of treatment that proved .successful, and he 
never afterward lost a case. His fir.sl plan was 
to ]>roduce perspiration by covering the patient 
with hot ears of corn. He made no secret of his 



treatment, which was soon adopted by the other 
physicians of the localitj', and the plague lost its 
terrors. About 1846 he moved to Lafayette, 
Ind., passing his last days near Olney, 111. His 
wife, Lois, was a daughter of Asher Hart, who 
moved with his family to Muskingum County 
prior to 1812. On both sides of the family our 
subject comes from a long-lived race, and his 
grandfather's mother lived to the e.\treme old age 
of one hundred and twelve years. 

Born ill Muskingum County, Ohio, January i, 
1821, Nathan H. Webb is the eldest of four chil- 
dren and the only survivor of the family. ITntil 
eighteen years old he lived on a farm, but at that 
time entered his uncle's general store at Dresden, 
Ohio, and was there employed from 1S41 luitil 
1849. This uncle, for whom he had been named, 
also owned an establishment at Mendon. He and 
our subject carried on a store at vSpencerville 
about 1S49, and also .started a sawmill, and in 
both of these lines were very successful. 

In 1852 Nathan H. Webb started in the hotel 
bu.siness at .Sjiencers'ille, where he had conducted 
a dry-goods store for six years. Five years after 
opening the hotel there he sold out his interest, 
and, moving to Delphos, ran the hotel in that vil- 
lage for ten years, enjoying a lucrative patronage. 
Thence he went to Defiance, Ohio, taking charge 
of the Ru.ssell Hou.se, of which he was manager 
for four years, and on New Year's Day, 1881, he 
became proprietor of the Forest Hotel of this city. 
Two years later he took ix)s.se.ssion of the Scott 
House, which was afterward burned, and of 
which he was the genial "mine host" for seven 
years. 

In former days Mr. Webb was an old-line 
Whig and cast his first vote in 1844 for Henrj' 
Clay. He has frequently found it ])o.ssible to at- 
tend conventions of his party and always takes an 
enthusiastic part in its councils. He has served 
for three years as Superintendent of the Miami & 
F>ic Canal. For upwards of forty years he has 
been identified with the Ma.sonic fraternity. 

March 14, 1S44, Mr. Webb was married, in 
his native comity, to Mi.ss Mary S. Roney, who 
was l)orn in ^L^ryland. Their two sons, Thomas 
H. and Charles P., are engaged in the real-e.state, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECOHD. 



323 



loan and insurance business, the former being 
situated in Peoria, 111., and the latter in Indian- 
apolis, Ind. Lillie M., the only daughter, re- 
sides with her parents. Mr. Webb and wife are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
while the daughter l)clongs to the Presbyterian 
Church. Tile famih- have man\- warm friends in 
this place. 






> 



:tl!^l 



HAMILTON HILL was born in Roundhead 
Township, Hardin County, where he is at 
present living, August 17, 1840. He has 
been identified with the progress of this section 
since attaining mature years, and b\- his honora- 
ble and upright dealings has won many friends, 
who hold him in high esteem. 

The parents of our subject were Samuel and 
Priscilla (Scott) Hill. The father was born April 
23, 1812, in Logan County, this .state, and the 
mother February 20, 1S14, in Pennsylvania. The 
paternal grandparents of Hamilton Hill were na- 
tives of Maryland, and during the Revolutionary 
War the grandfather took a prominent part as a 
soldier. He came to Hardin County in 1.S33, 
and resided on what is now the old homestead. 
He died September 25, 1862, at the advanced age 
of ninety-nine years, three months and three days, 
and is buried in the cemetery at Pleasant Hill. 

The brothers and sisters of Sanniel Hill were 
seven in number, namely: John C, Martin, 
James, Nancy, Sarah, Ro.sanna and Mary. Tlie 
father was a farmer throughout life, and lived 
with his parents, caring for them in their old age 
until their decease, when he started out to make 
a name and fortune for himself. He was a Demo- 
crat in politics and cast his first Presidential vote 
for Andrew Jackson. He was very active in the 
work of the Methodist Epi.scopal Church as Class- 
Leader, and aided very materially in the organi- 
zation of churches of his denomination in Hardin 



County. The advantages offered him in his youth 
for obtaining an education were very meager, 
which fact made him very earnest in his efforts 
to give his children every opportunity in this di- 
rection ]i()ssil)ie. He was heartilx- in fa\or of es- 
tablishing free schools, and with se\en other men 
cast the first vote on this {|uestion in r,ogan Comi- 
ty. He accomplished iiiuch ])ioneer work in his 
day, helping to Ia\- out roads, build bridges, etc. 
He died May :~ , 187:1, and was buried in Pleas- 
ant Hill Cemeter>', wliere his wife had been laid 
to rest January :, iSfiy. 

Hamilton Hill was married, November 28, 1X62, 
to Anna, daughter of Andrew and Lavina Poe. 
The lady was born December 4, 1841. Their 
children are three in number, \i/..: John Lester, 
Id.i Leslie and vStella Blanche. The eldest, who 
was born Ajiril 11, 1864, was married to vSallie 
Mylar, October i, 1884, and they make their 
home in Roundhead Township, where Mr. Hill 
is engaged in farming and teaching school. He 
is a well educated gentleman, and has been very 
successful as an instructor in this neighborhood. 
The four children Iiorn to Joliii L. Hill and wife 
are Ralph, Frank, Joseph ami Harry. The eld- 
est daughter of our subject, who was born August 
10, 1866, is now the wife of J. P. Smith, and 
makes her home iie.ir Ft. Scott, Kan.; lier three 
children are iiamecl, respectively, Francis, Carl 
and Gladys. Stella Planche was born November 
15, 1870, and was married, March 28, 1894, t'J 
John W. Lowrie, a farmer and carpenter. They 
also make their abode in this township. 

( )ur subject taught school during his younger 
da\ s, conducting fifteen terms of five months each 
in Roundhead Township. Since establishing a 
home of his own. however, he has followed farm- 
ing, and of this industry has made a success, be- 
ing now the owner of a finely improved estate. 

Mr. Hill has been prominent in politics in his 
locality, and from 1S7;, to 1.S78 held the office of 
Township Clerk. For four terms he was Town- 
.sliip Tru.stee, has served efficiently as a member 
of the School Board, and has been Justice of the 
Peace for six years, being elected to these various 
positions on the Democratic ticket. Like his 
father before him, he is mainly self-educated, al- 



324 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



though he attended the schools conducted on the 
subscription plan, which were held in buildings 
rudely constructed. He has always been a great 
student, and by reading good books has become 
well informed. He takes an active part in the 
work of the Methodist Episcojial Church, and for 
twenty-two years has been Recording Steward. 
The fatlier of our subject first came to this 
county in 1.S25, and after a short stay returned to 
Logan County. He finally decided, however, to 
make a permanent location in this vicinity, and, 
coming hitlier in 1S33, located on the home farm 
of which Hamilton is the owner. It is one hun- 
dred acres in extent and bears the best of im- 
provements in the way of buildings and farm 
marliinerv. 



^#0: 



(loiIX M. CASPlvR, an ol<l resident of Wash- 
I ington Township, Ilardin County, has lived 
(2/ here since 1S57. He is a native of Havaria, 
Germany, and his birth occurred October 2, 1826. 
His first recollections were concerning farm life, 
and his own vocation has always been that of till- 
ing the soil. He is a practical and industrious 
man, owing to his sturdy straightforwardness of 
purpose the success he now enjoys. 

Mr. Ca.sper is one of the nine children born to 
John M. and Catherine M. (Brandt) Casper, the 
latter of whom died March 11, 1S36, in the Fa- 
therland. In the .spring of 1840 the family set 
sail for the United States, arriving at Baltimore 
at the end of a voyage of thirty-four days. The 
father settled on a farm near Columbus, Ohio, 
and there the children received their earlj' train- 
intc, both in sc1kh)1 and in the home. 

When he reached man's estate oiu- subject 
conunenced working for farmers by tlie month, 
and was thus emjiloyed several years. With his 
.savings he then bought a tract of eighty acres on 
.section 26, this township, and in 1S54 he pur- 
chased another piece of the same size. The proj)- 
erty was covered with thick forests and under- 



brush, and about the only improvement that had 
been made was a log cabin. Mr. Casper has 
cleared one hundred and twenty acres and now 
owns three luuidred and ninety-two acres of val- 
uable land. 

January 6, 1S61, the marriage of J. M. Casper 
and Wilhelmina Eil)ling took place. She was 
lx)rn in Marion County, Ohio, and has borne her 
husband thirteen children, namely: John F. ; 
Tenia, wife of John Hiller, and a resident of 
Washington Township, Marion Coiuitj-; Eliza- 
beth, who is married to John Hensel, and lives 
in Cessna Township; Peter, George, John M., 
Mary, Jacob, Lena, Minnie, Gotlieb, Katherine 
E. and Adam R. The family circle is yet un- 
broken l)y death. 

In his political preference Mr. Casper is a Dem- 
ocrat. With the other members of his hou.sehold, 
he is identified with the Lutheran Church, and 
for the pa.st thirty years he has served as Trustee 
of the church of that denomination in Wa.shing- 
ton Township. For five years he filled the posi- 
tion of School Director, and he has also served as 
Supervi.sor for one year. By all who know him 
he is highly esteemed and considered a man of 
strict integrity, lioth of word and purpose. 



*^^1[ 



(lOIIN BURTSFlIvLI). It is a plea.sure to 
I the biographer to head this sketch with the 
C2/ name of the man who is one of the honored 
pioneers of Marion County, and who is in every 
sense .self-made and worthy of the honor afforded 
him by mention among the distinguished citizens 
of this section. He is at present living on sec- 
tion 26, Grand Prairie Township, and during the 
sixty-six years of his residence in Marion Coun- 
ty has ac(|uitted himself with lumor and credit to 
tlie conununity in which he has lived. 

Mr. Burtsfield was born in Franklin County, 
Pa., September 18, 1822, and is the .son of Jacob 
and Eli/.al)eth (Jones) Burtsfield. His father, 
who was likewise a native of the Keystone State, 



POliTUAlT AND BIOGHAI'IIICAL RECORD. 



327 



was born in L,ancaster County in 1789, and after 
reaching an age wlien lie could engage in farm 
work, prosecuted that calling there until 1828. 
That year found him en route for Marion Coun- 
ty, Ohio, where he entered land in Grand Prairie 
Township. After improving it he sold out to good 
advantage and purcha.sed another farm, in Scott 
Township, renmining there until his death, which 
took place when he was eighty-three years of age. 
His parents, John and Reliecca (vSockman) Bnrts- 
field, were born in tlie United States, the former 
being of Ivnglish extraction, and the latter of 
German. 

The mother of our subject was also a native of 
Pennsylvania, and lived to be seventy-five years 
of age. Her parents, who were likewise Penn- 
-sylvanians by birth, were of German parentage. 
Mrs. Burt.sfield was a devoted member of the 
Lutheran Church during her lifetime. 

John Burtsfield was a lad of six years when the 
removal of the family to this county occurred, 
and here he has continued to Ii\e ever since. His 
pos.sessions aggregate three hundred and sixty 
acres, which, with the exception of eighty acres 
which he inherited from his father's estate, rep- 
resent his own earnings. He has been very .suc- 
cessful in all that he has undertaken, wide-awake 
and up to the times in all things. He is gener- 
ous and wdiole-sonled in the use of his means in 
behalf of enterprises which commend themseh-es 
to his excellent judgment. 

Mr. Burtsfield is a Democrat in politics, and 
during his younger years was a great worker in 
the ranks of that party. He has been Justice of 
the Peace, Land Appraiser, Township Tru.stee 
and Clerk, and in one and all ofthe.se varied po- 
.sitions always gave .satisfaction by the conscien- 
tious manner in which he discharged the duties 
imposed upon him. 

p-ebruary 21, 1S47, Mr. Burtsfield married 
Miss Nancy Jane \'an Meter, of this county, who 
died at the age of thirty-five years, leaving three 
sons, namel}': Madi.son, engaged in farming in 
Harrison County, Mo.; Franklin, an agricultur- 
ist of prominence in this township; and John \V., 
akso a farmer of this township. July 6, 1865, 
Mr. Buitsfield was married to Amanda Lucas, 



also a native of Marion County, who departed 
this life September 6, 1890, at the age of forty- 
seven years. Our subject is not connected with 
any church, but always gives cheerfully of his 
means to the support of the various congrega- 
tions. He possesses a feeling of good-will toward 
mankind and endeavors to honorably fulfill all 
the duties devolving upon him, and in .so doing 
gains the respect of all with whom he comes in 
contact. 






nOHN C. SMITH is engaged in general farm- 
I ing and stock-raising on .section 2, Cessna 
G/ Township, Hardin County. In the ranks of 
the local Democracy he has been a prominent 
factor for many years, and has officiated in the 
responsible positions of Tru.stee two terms. Treas- 
urer two terms. Justice of the Peace four terms, 
Township Clerk one >ear, and several times as 
Supervisor and School Director. 

John G., father of the above-named gentleman, 
was born in Wittenberg, Germany, and by trade 
was a ma.son. In the '20s he came to America 
on a sailing-vessel, the voyage consuming some 
six weeks. From New York City he went to 
Louisville, Ky., where he lived two years; thence 
went to Columbus, Ohio, where he worked at his 
trade until he removed to Hardin County. After 
his marriage he settled on a farm and there re- 
sided two years. Subsequently he entered eighty 
acres in Scott Township, Marion County, paying 
the Govenmient $1.25 per acre for it. A few 
years were passed there, when he went to Illinois 
b>- team, locating in Clark County. In the fall 
of 1845 he returned to this region, investing his 
funds in an eighty-acre tract on section 35. A 
few acres of this had been broken, and the only 
other improvements were a log-cabin house and 
barn. At the close of a good and u.seful life he 
passed to his last reward, in 1.SS7, when in his 
eighty-fourth year, and was buried in the family 



328 



PORTRAIT AND lUOOKAPinCAL RECORD. 



cemetery on the farm. For a long time he was 
a faithful member of the German Evangelical 
Church. His wife, also a native of Germany, 
was in her girlhood Susan Weand. 

J. C. Smith is one of the sons of Illinois, his 
birth having occurred in Clark County, February 
29, 1840. When he was but five years of age he 
came to this county, and grew to man's estate on 
a farm in Washington Township. When he was 
twenty-four years of age he bought the place on 
which he is now living, but at the end of a year 
went to North Wa.shington, where he ran a saw- 
mill three years. He then returned to the farm, 
and has since given all his energies to the culti- 
vation of the same. On his thickly timbered 
homestead he constructed a log house of one 
room, 18x24 f^^t in dimensions, and in this hum- 
ble dwelling he resided about ten years. It was 
superseded in time by the present commodious 
brick house. On an average, Mr. Smith cleared 
eight acres of land a year, and now may justlj- 
take pride in the thrifty appearance of his place, 
which comprises one hundred and fourteen acres. 

January 14, 1866, Mr. Smith was married to 
Melinda A. Hively, by whom he had five chil- 
dren, namely: Kdward N., born May 5, 1867; 
Cora M., May 12, 1870; Samuel C, March 11, 
1872; Allen B., July 11, 1874; and Olie G., Feb- 
ruary ID, 1885. Cora died September 10, 1874. 
Samuel is now a student in the ('olumbus (Ohio) 
Medical College. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are mem- 
bers of tlie Methodist Church, and take great in- 
terest in all lines of religious activity. Mr. Smith 
gives his support lo the Democratic party. 



^. 



0^m 
^^m 



'^ 



flUJAM H. JOHNSON, a successful and 
extensive dairy farmer, residing on .section 
17, Pleasant Township, Hardin County, 
was born December 22, 1851, witliin a half-mile 
of his present home. He is the son of John and 
Catherine (Johnson) Jolnison, who, though bear- 



ing the same name, were not related by blood. 
His grandfather, John Johnson, Sr., was proba- 
bly a \'irginian. During the last century he came 
to Ohio and settled in Licking County, but after- 
wards removed to Ft. McArthur, Hardin County, 
where he died. During the War of 18 12 he 
served in an Ohio militia regiment, and was pres- 
ent at the .surrender of Hull. 

John Johnson, Jr., was born near Newark, 
Licking County, Ohio, September 14, 1795. He 
was also a soldier in the War of 18 12, and drew a 
pension for his services in that conflict. On com- 
ing to Hardin County, he spent a few months at 
Ft. McArthur, later entering an eighty-acre tract 
constituting the east half of the northwest quarter 
of section 18, and here he built a house and barn. 
Afterward he botight one hundred and sixty-six 
acres on section 17, which he improved. His 
next purchase consisted of eighty acres of tim- 
bered land, where our subject now resides. Of 
this tract he cleared sixty-five acres, and gave his 
attention to the cultivalimi of llie place- until his 
death, July 19, 1S88. 

Near London, Franklin County, Ohio, Febru- 
ary 14, 1S22, John John.son, Jr., married Miss 
Catherine Johnson, who was born October 8, 
1797. She was a daughter of John Johnson, who 
worked as a boatman on the Ohio River in early 
days. They lived lo celebrate their golden wed- 
ding in 1872, and their happy married life was 
prolonged for another decade, until the death of 
the wife, October 1 1. 18S2, at the residence of our 
subject. 

The twelve children comprising the parental 
family were named as follows: Olive, wife of Al- 
exander McGaini, of Jackson Township, Hardin 
County; David, deceased; Maria, wife of Robert 
Devore, who lives in Jackson Townshij); Mary 
and Jeremiah, decea.sed; Mahala, widow of John 
Derry; Martlia, Mrs. Sanford Devore; Cormelia, 
deceased; James K., who was killed in the late 
war; Eliza A., deceased; William H.. of this 
.sketch; and an infant. 

ITpon the farm where he now resides our sub- 
ject was reared, and in youth he attended the 
neighboring district .schools. He remained with 
his parents until his marriage, after which they 



I'ORTRAIT AND RIOORAPIIICAL RECORD. 



329 



turned the property over to him and made their 
home with him until they died. In the winter 
of 1887-88 Ire rented his farm and nii>\ed tu Rliea 
County, Teiin., making his home near Riiea 
vSprings, a health resort. Tliere lie rented a farm 
of one hiuidred and twelve acres, of which eighty 
were under cultivation. The following year he 
leased a larger farm, and this he cnlti\ated for a 
year. He had been Irouhled willi asthma for 
some time before .going to Tennessee, but his two 
years' residence in that state entirely ciu'ed him, 
and he has never had a return of the disease. 
In 1890 he came back to liis farm in Pleasant 
Town.ship, and here in the fall of i.Si)4 he em- 
barked in the dairy business, which he has since 
conducte<l, having a large trade throughout the 
township. 

At Ada, Ohio, August iS, 1870, Mr. Johnson 
married Mi.ss Lydia Major, who was born in 
Pennsylvania, June 23, 1852. Her parents, Ben- 
jamin and Abigail Major, natives respectively of 
England and Pennsylvania, came to Ohio early 
in the '50s and settled in Champaign County, but 
a few years later came to Cessna Township, 
Hardin Count>-. Their faniil\- consisted of six 
children, namely: William, who resides in De- 
Graff, Ohio; Hy, a resident of Dunkirk, Ohio; 
I{li/abeth, who is with her bidther in DeGraff; 
Sarah, deceased; Lydia A.; and Louisa, wife of 
Hy Campbell, of Blue Island, 111. 

There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson 
fourteen children, the youngest of whom died ini- 
named. The others are John 1)., who was born 
March 24, 1871; Olive Callum, June 6, 1S72; Dai- 
.sy A., who was bom December 11, 1874, and 
died Feliruary 17, 1S75; Josephine, born July 3, 
1S76; James, Novendier 23, 1S77; Alinira, March 
6, 1S80; Luella M., January 3, 1S82; William H,, 
October 16, 1883; P.en V.. April 4, 1885; Clara 
A., born October 14, 1886, who died January 12, 
1887; Hy M., born in Teiuiessee, February 12, 
1888; Carrie M., born in Tennessee, October 30, 
i8go; and Cora M., whose birth occurred at the 
old homestead, May 31, 1891. 

In religious belief Mr. and Mrs Johnson are 
members of the Providence Baptist Church of 
Pleasant Township. His father was identified 



with the Liberty Methodist Episcopal Church in 
Pleasant Township. His mother, who had been 
sprinkled in girlhood, became un.sati.sfied with 
that mode of baptism, believing it unscriptural, 
and at the age of seventy-five was immersed. 
From that time until her death she was a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church. Politically Mr. John- 
sou is independent, favoring the men and the 
principles rather than an>- certain party. For- 
merly he was connected with the Patrons of Hus- 
bandry, and for two years officiated as Master of 
his lodge. He was also prominently connected 
with the Farmers' Alliance. As a citizen he is 
progressive, as a business man shrewd, as a farm- 
er enterprising, and as a friend thoughtful and ac- 
commodating. 



E^r 



gI{ORGI{ COURT, whose home is on section 
18, Pleasant Township, Marion County, is 
one of the oldest .settlers of this locality. He 
has led a life which can be fittingly held up as an 
example for the younger generations to follow, 
for he has been one who has looked out for the 
best interests of his fellows and has held his own 
advancement as of secondary importance. A man 
of kind and benevolent heart, he has always been 
ready to lend a helping hand to those in need, and 
he is loved by all who know him. 

The eldest in a family of eight children, George 
Court was born February 25, 1810, in Hardy 
County, Va. Ilis father, Frederick Court, was 
a native of Hanover, Germany, but crassed the 
Atlantic when a young man. For two years he 
worked at the tailor's trade in Baltimore, and then 
followed the same calling near Moorefield, Va., 
until 18 15. At that time he moved to the place 
now known as Frankfort, Ross County, Ohio, 
where he passed the next ten years. In 1S25 he 
purchased the land where Owen Station, this 
county, is now situated. The land was covered 
with a dense forest, but this he cleared away. He 
worked at his trade and at agriculture until his 



330 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



death, which occurred at the age of sixty-nine 
years, when he was interred in Fish Cemetery of 
this township. He married Ozilla Cuberley, who 
was born in Hardy County, Va., and who died at 
the age of forty-two years. Her father was a 
native of England, Init lier mother was horn in 
America. 

When George Court landed in Marion County 
he was about fifteen years of age, and for several 
years he dutifully assisted his father in clearing 
the homestead. There was no .school near his 
home for several \ears, but he attended the vil- 
lage school of Frankfort, Ross County, to some 
extent. When he was of age he rented a fann, 
which he conducted for two years, and about 1834 
became the owner of eighty acres of the land on 
section 18 which is now owned by a son. The 
land was wild and encumbered with timber, and 
here he made his home until 1868, when he pur- 
chased the farm of seventy- five acres whereon he 
has since dwell. 

Decendjer 29, 1831, George Court wedded 
Fanny Allen, who was born December 17, 1812, 
and died April 4, 1 894. Her parents were pioneers 
of this county, having settled here in 1827. Kight 
children were Ijorn to Mr. and Mrs. Court. Orrin 
A. died when about fifty -four years of age. Fred- 
erick W., a stone and brick ma.son by trade, and 
also a builder of lime-kilns, is a resident of this 
township; he has sensed as Asse.s.sor for a num- 
ber of years, and is a leader in the ranks of the 
local Democracy. Lucy died in infancy. Wil- 
son S., a well-to-do farmer of this township, now 
owns the old homestead. James died when in 
his fifty-second year. Christina F. is the wife 
of John Rricker, who owns a farm in Big Lsland 
Township. Zadoc A. died at the age of two years; 
and Fanny O. was called to lur final rest when 
in her twenty-ninth year. 

The finst Presidential ballot of George Court 
was cast for Andrew Jackson, since which time 
he has always been an un.swerving Democrat. 
He was the first Infirmary Director in the county, 
and was Justice of the Peace for about twelve 
years, after which he refused further re-election. 
In 1850 he was elected Land Appraiser for 
four townships, and ten years later was re elected 



to the same office. For several years he served 

efficiently as Town.ship Treasurer and Clerk and 
has also been a School Director. His neighbors 
place great confidence in his ability, wisdom and 
integrity, and he has settled a nund^er of estates. 
Though he is now well along in years, he has a 
good memory and is quite active. For over sixty 
years he has led an humble Christian life, and has 
endeavored to inculcate therein the teachings of 
the Golden Knle. 



(7|IM()N A. RKID, who was called to his final 
7\ reward Dccend)er 21, 1894, was long one of 
V,*y the honored residents of Cessna Township, 
Hardin County. He was a faithful mendjer of 
the Church of Christ for upwards of forty-two 
j^ears, and was always active in advancing the 
best interests of his fellows in ever>' possible man- 
ner. Begiiniing in lite a poor boy, he steadily 
persevered in his endeavors until he became a 
well-to-do and respected citizen. 

A son of Manley and Lena Keid, onr subject 
was born July 26, 1820. His birth occurred on 
a farm in Columbiana County, Ohio, and there 
his early years were pa.ssed. In the fall of 1844 
he came to Hardin County bj- team, and engaged 
in teaching school in this township for four terms. 
Prior to coming here he had purchased the farm 
known as the .Swimmer Farm, and some years 
afterward bought the farm now owned by his 
widow, the place being then covered with heavy 
tindjcr. At the time of his death he was the 
owner of eighty acres of well improved land, 
which showed on every hand the care bestowed 
upon it by the thrifty proprietor. 

In 1S45 Mr. Reid married ICliza llouser, who 
bore him nine children, namely: John M., George 
H., Mary A., Charity A., Simon A., Jr., Emma 
K., Thomas H., and two who died in infancy. 
February 17, 1S70, Mr. Reid married Rebecca E. 
Leeper, a native of Richland County, who was 
lx)rn October 9, 1818, and who still survives him. 




r. 



^IMi. 





/. \cciii:i s t i:ss.\A 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



333 



Mr. Reid offered his services in defense of the 
Old Flag b)' enlisting in the Kiglity-second Ohio 
Regiment. He was mustered in at Kenton and 
served altogether between two and three years. 
In later times he was a member of the Grand 
Army of the Republic. Politically he was affili- 
ated with the Rei)ul)lican party, and was elected 
by them to fill the position of Justice of the Peace, 
a place which he honorably occupied for four 
years. His death has been sincerely lamented 
by his hosts of old friends and neighbors, for he 
was a man in whom the fullest confidence could 
be .safely placed, and such men are, alas, too rare. 
He is now resting peacefully in I'A'carius Ceme- 
tery, his labors and trials over. 



&Z 



^^\ 



^ 



(^ 



-^") 



m^ 



OACCHEUvS CES.SNA, deceased, was one of 
/, the pioneers of Cessna Town.ship, Hardin 
/~J County, where he and his father settled 
about sixty \-ears ago. After a well spent and 
very active life, he was called to the home beyond, 
October 2, iSyj;, and was buried in the Salem 
Cemetery, in this township. His memory is cher- 
ished in the hearts of scores of his old friends and 
neighbors, who remember liim as a man of 
exemplary life and the utmost probity of conduct. 
The Cessna family is of vScotch-Iri.sh descent. 
The father of our subject, William, was born in 
Penn.sylvania, January lu, 1777, an<l died June 
13. i857- His wife, wlio bore the maiden name 
of KeziaTi Davis, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., 
on the 13th of April, 179,?, and died October 19, 
1862. They were the parents of nine children, 
namely; James, Mary, John, William, George, 
Joseph, Zaccheus, Elizabeth and Keziah, of whom 
John is the only one known to be living. 

After a sojourn of a few years in Holmes 
County, Ohio, Mr. Cessna started by team for 
Hardin County, in the fall of 1835, and established 
his home in Cessna Township, which was named 



in honor of Charles Cessna, a distant relative. 
He took up two hundred and fort>- acres from 
the Government, for which he paid the usual 
price of $1.25 per acre. In the midst of the thick 
forest he built a hewed-log house of one room, 
20x24 feet in dimensions, and this structure is 
still standing, not far from the present home- 
stead. The parents were cared for by our subject 
until they passed away. 

Zaccheus Cessna wns born in Holmes County, 
Ohio, April i, 1835, and was inne months old 
when the family came to Hardin County. He 
grew to manhood on the farm owned by his fa- 
ther, and at the age of eighteen years a.ssumed 
charge of the place, which he purchased some 
seven years later, industriously cultivating and 
developing the same until his death. 

October 17, i.Sho, Mr. Cessna married Mary 
M. Hagerman, who was born in Dekall) Rich- 
land Count}', Ohio, April 6, 1842. Mrs. Cessna 
is a daughter of Rev. Samuel and Elizabeth 
( Hiles) Hagerman. Her father, who was a na- 
tive of Carroll Counl>-, Ohio, went with his par- 
ents when quite young to Richland County, be- 
coming one of its pioneers. About 1846 he set- 
tled in Marion Townsliip, Hardin County, and 
engaged in farming, besides officiating as local 
preacher in the Methodist tlpiscopal Church. 
He passed to his reward August 30, 1S84. His 
wife, who is a native of England, came to this 
Country when twelve \ears old, and is now mak- 
ing her home in Dtuikirk, this county. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hagerman liad thirteen children, nine of 
whom are still li\ing. 

The marriage of our subject and his wife was 
l.)lessed with thirteen children, nine of whom are 
living, as follows: Ke/iah, wife of Thomas Burni- 
.son, a mechanic of Kenton; Ida, Mrs. Adam 
vSmith, of Cessna Town.ship; William: Mary, Mrs. 
Elmer Kaylor; Euhi, Clarence, George, Martha 
and Alphonso. Wesley is deceased, and three 
infants died unnamed. Religiously Mr. Cessna 
was identified with the Methodist Epi.scopal 
Church, to which his wife also belongs. 

PTntil the l)reaking out of the Rebellion, our 
subject was a Democrat, but at that time he be- 
came a supporter oi' the keimliHcan parly and a 



334 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



stanch advocate of the Union. In 1863 he en- 
listed in the National Guards and was mustered 
into the regular sen-ice at Kenton, May 2, 1864. 
He was first sent to Columbus, from there to 
Virginia, and participated in the engagement at 
Harper's Ferry and in many others of minor note. 
September 5, 1864, he was honorably discharged 
from the army. For years he was a member of 
the Grand Army of the Republic. He received 
a pension of $12 per month, and since his death 
his widow has received $8 per month. 



«OC- H"H"»" H" H"i"H- ^ <"i"i-»*-H^**'''* X> 



(TOvSEPH ADKLPHUS STANSKLL, M. D., 
I has l)een engaged in practice at Forest, Har- 
(2/ din County, for the past three decades, and 
has built up a reputation for .skill and ability in 
his chosen field of work which is .second to none 
among the physicians of this county. In the 
realm of study and research on medical questions 
he has been an independent investigator, but 
though he possesses profound knowledge, gained 
during the thirty-eight years of his practice, his 
natural niode.sty of di.sposition has kept him from 
contributing his ideas to medical journals and 
publications. He has given .special study to sur- 
gical ca.ses, and is often called in coun.sel with 
his brother physicians. 

Our .subject was born No\eml)er 7, iX-^i, at 
Lockville, Ontario County, N. V. He is a son 
of George, and grandson of William, Stansell, the 
former of Dutch descent, but a native of the lim- 
pire State. A member of the Stan.sell family was 
State Chemical Analyst in Holland and became 
an authority in certain directions, especially on 
the suljject of volatile oils. The Slansells were 
among the early settlers of the Mohawk River 
Valley, locating there when New Amsterdam was 
under Dutch rule. Two of our subject's ances- 
tors, his grandfather's brothers, were killed in 
the Revolutionary War, and two of the brothers 
Were captured by the Indians about that time, 
one being tomahawked. Many members of the 



family have been numbered among the profes- 
sional men of the United States. William Stan- 
sell was a millwright and farmer, and was inter- 
ested in the building of the F>ie Canal, grading 
three miles of the same, which crossed his own 
farm. Moving to Lockville, N. Y., he obtained 
a contract and built three locks on the canal, and 
his son, our subject's father, had the honor of 
opening the lock for the wedding of the waters 
of Lake Ontario and the Hud.son River by means 
of the canal. 

George Stan.sell was one of thirteen children, 
and was born in Wayne, Ontario County, N. Y., 
in iSoi. He was called to his final rest Septem- 
ber 10, 1854, in Wyandot County, this state. He 
was married in New York to Zada P. Bristoll, of 
Connecticut, who was born December 4, 1809. 
She was a daughter of David and Sarah (Prindle) 
Bri.stoll, natives of Bristol, England. The Prin- 
dle and Bristoll families emigrated to Connecticut 
at the same lime. Among the representatives of 
the latter particularly there were many men of 
undoubted talent, and Bristol, Conn., and Bris- 
tol, Tenn., were named in their honor. Two 
cousins of Mrs. Stansell by the name of Prindle 
were Presbyterian ministers, and one of them had 
charge of a Chicago congregation at one time 
in his career. George Stansell and his young 
wife came to Ohio in 1835, and were among the 
pioneers of Richland Township, Wyandot County. 
Mrs. vStansell died November 20, 1868. 

Dr. J. A. Stan.sell is the third in order of birth 
in a family of nine children, and since his fourth 
year has lived in Ohio. He took up the study of 
medicine at the age of .seventeen years, taking a 
three-years cour.se in the Ohio We.sleyan Univer- 
sity at Delaware, and in 1856-57 entered Miami 
College of Cincinnati. For a time he practiced 
in partnership with his preceptor, Dr. Stanley, in 
Patterson, this county, but in March, 1865, he 
was regularly graduated from Starling Medical 
College at Columbus. The following fall betook 
up his permanent abode in this place, where he 
has met with marked success. 

vSeptember 28, 1854, Dr. Stansell and Eveline 
C, daughter of John Adams, were united in mar- 
riage. The lady was born in 1833, in Delaware 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



335 



County, Ohio, and is the mother of four children, 
namely: Lillie J., Mrs. Capt. John Campbell, 
of Forest; Iva Liiella, Mrs. Allen T. West, also 
of Forest; Nellie J., wife of Martin F. Jordan, 
of Fulton County, Ohio; and J. Franklin, an 
operator on the Pittsburg Railroad at I,a Fay- 
ette, this state. 

In the winter of 1877-78 Dr. Stan.sell took a 
post-graduate course at Bellevue Medical College 
in New York. He is very prominent in Masonic 
circles, having joined the organ in Kenton, Ohio, 
August 8, 1862, when he became a niendjer of 
Latham Lodge No. 154. He also belongs to Mc- 
Cutchen Chapter No. 96, R. A. M., of Upper 
Sandu.sky, which he joined November 12, 1866, 
and he was made a Council Mason at Bucyrus, 
Ohio. For years he has held positions in all 
these bodies and has been one of the most active 
workers in the state. Though he organized Sen- 
ate Lodge of Forest, named it, drilled its mem- 
bers and was its Master for eleven years, and 
though he also organized a lodge at Dunkirk, he 
still holds membership with the old lodge at Ken- 
ton, where many of his warmest friends are to be 
found. His mother was a schoolmate of the noto- 
rious Mormon, Jo.seph Smith, and was personally 
acquainted with the founders of that sect. The 
Doctor has a copy of the first " Book of Mormons, ' ' 
printed at Palmyra in 1S30. He has visited Salt 
Lake and met many prominent Mormons, and 
through the influence of General McClernand, of 
that city, was enabled to visit various places of 
interest there. 



^>^^<^^ 



HON. JOHNS. DUDLIiV, Mayor of Marion, 
is line of the mo.st popular officials in the 
county, and was elected to this honorable 
office by a handsome majority over his opponent. 
In order to achieve the prominence he has at- 
tained personal and business qualities of the high- 
est order were necessary, and ofthc.se he is pos- 
sessed in a large measure. 



Mr. Dudley was l)oni in Lexington, Richland 
County, Ohio, June 5, 1S38. His father, Ezra 
Dudley, was born at Crown Point, and was for 
many years of his life engaged in farming. The 
trade which he learned in early years was that of 
a shoemaker, and after his experience as an agri- 
culturist he engaged in the shoe business at Lex- 
ington, whence he later removed to Grafton, Iowa, 
where he died. His wife, formerly Elmira Bai- 
ley, is al.so decea.sed, having passed away some 
twenty years ago. Her hu.sband survived her 
nine years, and was seventy -three years of age at 
the time of his death. 

Our subject was the younger of two brothers. 
Graves B. is engaged in the stock business at 
.Sextonville, Wis., where he is prominent and in- 
fluential among its best residents. John S. , our 
suliject, remained on his father's farm until six- 
teen years of age, in the mean time securing what 
knowledge of books he had in the district .schools. 
Two years thereafter he went to Olivesburg, 
Richland County, this state, where he appren- 
ticed himself to learn the saddler's trade. Later 
he came to Marion, where for many years he was 
in the employ of T. J. McGruder, who was a 
saddler. 

Our subject is now .serving his third term as 
Mayor of Marion, being elected to this position 
on tlie Republican ticket by large majorities each 
time, although the city is strongly Democratic. 
He has l)een both honorable and upright during 
his incumbency of this office, and under his ad- 
ministration the streets lia\'e been paved and im- 
proved in many w.-iys. It would not be true to 
say that he has no enemies, for a person occupy- 
ing the office that he does anil bringing about 
such decided changes in the government of the 
city could not do so and please every citizen. It 
was his ambition and de.sire when entering upon 
his administration to plan and carry on work that 
would benefit the city, without fear or favor, and 
this he has done in a most admirable manner. 
He was candidate for Sheriff in 1893, and was 
defeated liy only one hundred and eighty-six 
votes, thus reducing the Democratic majority from 
eight hundred to that lunnber. 

Our subject has been twice married. His fir.st 



336 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



companion was Sarah Randall, who died leaving 
a daughter, Nellie, who is now the wife of H. D. 
Frymyer, of Monmouth, 111. His present wife 
was formerly Mary Flood, of Sandusky City, this 
state. They have had born to them a daughter, 
Grace, who married Robert C. Fenton, a tele- 
graph operator in Marion. 

Our subject .stands high in social orders, be- 
longing to the Uniformed Rank, I. O. O. F. ; he 
is a member of tiie Daughters of Rebekah, Royal 
Arcanum and the Klks, and was District Deputy 
Grand Master of the order of Odd Fellows for a 
period of six years. He is a man deserving of 
the respect and high esteem in which he is held, 
and it is the wish of the best citizens of Marion 
that he may be retained in office fur years to come. 



>\^m 



RICHARD 8IKGI':i.. Many of the mo.st pa- 
triotic citizens of our country have emigrated 
hither from foreign lands, and among tlieni 
there are many of the stalwart sons of the F'ather- 
land. With keen intuition they have foreseen 
future prosperity in America such as never could 
be attained in their own land, and, coming acro.ss 
the ocean, have almost invariably been success- 
ful in their undertakings. Mr. Siegel furnishes 
a good example of this class, being prominent in 
Lynn Township as a skillful farmer and stock- 
raiser. 

Our subject was bom in Hesse Honiburg, Ger- 
many, Noveml)er 4, 1826, and in 1S43 made the 
journey acro.ss the Atlantic, accompanied by his 
father, Richard Siegel, Sr. , also a native of the 
Fatherland. The emigrants continued their west- 
ward way until they reached Holmes County, 
Ohio, where they .'.ecured a home. The wife and 
mother, who died prior to the removal of the fam- 
ily to their new home, bore the name of Mary 
Huller. Mr. vSiegel was later married, in Holmes 
County, to Barbara Kleinsrott, and about the close 



of the Civil War they removed to Lynn Town- 
ship, near the home of our subject, where the 
father died about 1868. His wife had passed away 
while a resident of the above county, leaving 
two daughters, who kept hou.se for their father 
until his tleath. 

Richard Siegel continued to reside witli his 
father for four years after coming to America, 
during which time he worked out to assist in 
paying for the home place. He worked as a farm 
hand for others until 1853, when, ^L^rch 3, he 
married Miss Sarah S. Rainsburg. He rented 
property and lived in that locality until 1S58, 
when we find him a resident of Hardin County. 
Having laid by a snug little sum of money from 
the successful management of his other estate, 
Mr. Siegel paid $500 for fiftj'-three acres of land, 
on which there were no improvements, not even 
a cabin. His first work was to hew .some logs, 
and with the.se he con.structed a dwelling, in 
which his wife and three children were made as 
comfortable as it was po.ssible for them to be made 
in an iniinhabited region. His means being 
limited, he worked out to obtain ready money, 
in the mean time using every spare moment in 
clearing his farm. This state of affairs continued 
for three or four years, during which time he was 
not even enabled to sell timber from his place, as 
the .settlers were few and those who lived near 
were, like himself, trying to dispose of the sur- 
plus wood. As the years pas.sed by and he at 
last redeemed his land from the brush and woods, 
he found it to be rich soil, excellent for farming 
purpo.ses. He has since added .si.\t)' acres to his 
original purchase and is now the proprietor of a 
tract of one hundred and thirteen acres, the 
greater part of which is well cultivated. His 
house is substantially built, as are all the other 
buildings on the place. On his estate are about 
one hundred rods of tiling, and to the improve- 
ment of the place he has given his entire atten- 
tion until of late years. He has also assi.sted his 
son William R. in purchasing a farm in this lo- 
cality. When he first came to this locality Mr. 
Siegel had only three neighbors, William Bradley, 
J. ^L Piper and J. C. Rainsburg. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Siegel there were born five 




W. J. OCMS. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RPXORD. 



339 



children. William R. owns one luuulred and 
ten acres in I^ynn Township, but rents tliis tract 
and farms the home place; Mary Catherine mar- 
ried Henry Walgerman, and is now deceased; 
Martha Ellen married John Edgington and is also 
deceased; Mahala is the wife of Ray Brelsford, a 
farmer and the son of George Brelsford; and 
Miller C. is engaged as a telegraph operator at 
Harper, this state. The mother of this family 
died January 26, 1882. She had been a true 
helpmate to her husband and aided him in ob- 
taining his present high standing among the 
farmers of this community. 

Mr. Siegel is a Democrat in politics, being very 
active in the workings of his party in this section, 
and has been the recipient of almost every posi- 
tion of trust which it has been in the ]iower of his 
friends and neighbors to bestow upon him. P'ur 
two or three years he was Township Trustee, 
has been Chattel Appraiser, ser\'ed for nine years 
as Justice of the Peace, and has bcL-n Township 
Trustee. He is a man of many Christian virtues, 
and for many years has been connected with the 
Lutheran Church. He is a popular and energetic 
citizen, and has made for himself an enviable po- 
sition among the honored residents of Hardin 
County. 



l.(i)), .^Ah ,OJ 

(^^"" '^f^^' "^(§1 



J. ( iCllvS, Treasurer of Hardin Ci>unty, at 
the time of his election had the <listinctiou 
of being the youngest countx official in 
the state of Ohio. Elected to his jnesent po- 
sition in the year i.Syo, and re-elected at the 
expiration of his first term, he has discharged its 
duties in a manner highly satisfactory to the peo- 
ple. Having served as Deputy for a number of 
years prior to his election as County Treasurer, 
he was well qualified by experience and thorough 
knowledge of the position to become the head of 



the department. He is a \oung man of unusual 
energy and aliility, aiul is one of the local leaders 
of the Democratic party. 

The Ochs family originated in Germany, where 
William, oiu' sid)ject's father, was liorn in Kur- 
hes.sen, June 13, 1823, and wlience he came to 
America in 1.S52, accom])anieil b>- his wife, Mar- 
garet Alt, likewise a nati\e of the Fatherland. 
He learned the trade ol a miller, and in carrying 
on this liusiness he l)ecaiue well-tn-ilo. For ten 
years he was thus engaged in Kenton, and later 
established and operated a mill at Marseilles. His 
sojourn in the latter place, lio\ve\er, was short. 
From there he returned to Kenton, and has since 
been identified with the milling interests cjf this 
city. The famil\- are nienil>ers of the Ivvangel- 
ical Church. 

Mrs. Margaret ( )clis departed this life in i8y2, 
greatly mourned li\ a large circle of hiends in 
this localit> , where she had li\-ed for so man_\- 
years. Her famil\- consistetl of five sons and four 
daughters, ol whom six are now li\'ing. Theo- 
dore is a partner in the Kenton Creamery in this 
city. The fiirtli of our subject occurred in Mar- 
seilles, Wyandot Counts, ( )hio, ( )ctol)er 7, 1865. 
He was two \ears old at the time his parents re- 
turned to Kenton after a short residence in Mar- 
.seilles. His education was ac(|uired in the .schools 
of this city and here his entire life has Ijeen passed 
with the exception of the time mentionetl above. 
On completing the studies of tlie common schools 
he went to Cincinnati, where he took a eour.se in 
Nelson's Conunercial College, and later he at- 
tended a college in Newark, N.J. 

In 1883 Mr. Ochs became liookkeeper for the 
Kenton Milling Coniiian>', with whom he re- 
mained until i88(). He IIku resigned the posi- 
tion to accept the appointment ol' l)epnt\ County 
Treasurer, in which capacity he continued until 
his election to the olTice he now fills. In Januar\-, 
1895, he ))oughl the Main vStreet Mill, which he 
now carries on alone, and to which he expects to 
devote his entire time and attention on tlie expi- 
ration of his term ol ofiice. 

January 7, 1891, Mr. Oclis was united in mar- 
riage, by Ke\-. F'ather A. vS. vSiebenfoercher, to 
Miss Catherine T., daughter of Patrick and Mary 



340 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Dugan, thfc former of whom is a prosperous busi- 
ness man of Kenton. They are the parents of a 
son and a daughter; Arline Marie, born January 
17, 1892; and Allen D., August 25, 1894. In .so- 
cial affairs Mr. Ochs is an Odd Fellow, and is also 
prominently connected with the Knights of Pyth- 



^'')^^a 



y^ < ) R R I S MEYER. The Hardin County 
y Hank of Forest was e.stabli.shed in March, 
(d 18S8, by Z. T. Lewis, of Urbana, Ohio; 
J. W. Weil and C. M. Leon, of Columbus; and 
Morris Meyer, the latter becoming Cashier, which 
position he has since filled. This is the only 
l)anking in.stitution the village has ever had, and 
it has proved remunerative to its projectors. In 
October, 1890, Mr. Meyer became the sole owner, 
and to its management he devotes his entire at- 
tention. The correspondents of the bank are the 
Chase National, of New York; the Fourth Na- 
tional of Cincinnati; and the Merchants' & Man- 
ufacturers', of Columbus. 

The birth of Mr. Meyer occurred in the cit_\- of 
Memphis, Tenn., December 19, 1865, his father, 
Jacob, being a merchant of that place. In 1873 
his parents and eldest brother fell victims to the 
yellow fever, all dying within two weeks of one 
another. Orphaned at the earlj- age of eight 
years, he and his brothers were obliged to become 
self-supporting at a time when boys are usually 
in school or at play. Probably this fact, how- 
ever, instead of proving detrimental, was on the 
other hand the secret of their success, fostering 
in them the habits of perseverance, determination 
and energy that were important factors in their 
busines.i careers. All are well-to-do, occupying 
positions oftrust and responsibility. His brother 
Samuel R. is a member of the firm of Me>er, 
Wise & Kaiclicn, wholesale dealers in notions 
in Cinciiuiati. Another brollier is foreman of the 
house of Laird, Scholx;r & Mitchell, manufac- 
turers of ladies' shoes, Philadelphia; his sister 
Amelia is stenographer for R. J. H. Smith & Co., 



of Cincinnati; and I.^ah is employed in the cloak 
department of the H. & S. Pogue Company, of 
Cincinnati. 

Shortly after the death of his parents our sub- 
ject came with his .sisters to Cleveland, Ohio. 
At the age of thirteen he went to Cincinnati, 
where for three years he was a student in the 
high .school. He then entered the office of the 
wholesale dry-goods firm of Lewis Stix & Co., 
where from the position of errand boy he worked 
his way, within one and a-half years, to that of 
as.sistant bookkeeper. Later he held a similar 
position with the firm of Lewis Wald & Co. Dur- 
ing his vacation he spent a portion of one sum- 
mer in Urbana, Ohio, with the local base-ball 
team. He had signed a contract with a team in 
Chattanooga, Tenn., when the offer of the posi- 
tion of Teller in the Urbana Home Savings Bank 
caused a complete change in his plans. He ac- 
cepted the position, was .soon promoted to Assist- 
ant Cashier and became Cashier before he was 
twenty-one. His leisure evenings were devoted 
to the study of commercial law, in which he is 
thoroughly grounded. 

When the President of the bank established the 
Hardin County Bank in Forest, Mr. Meyer asso- 
ciated himself in the undertaking, and to him the 
success of the concern is largely due. In 1889, 
E. M. Leon, whose stock had previously been 
held by others (he being a minor), in connection 
with Mr. Meyer, bought the principal part of the 
stock, and the former became A.ssistant Cashier, 
remaining an employe of the bank until October, 
1890, when our subject became .sole proprietor. 
During the great panic of 1893, when throughout 
the entire country banks were closing their doors, 
and concerns apparently the most reliable were 
forced into bankruptcy, the Hardin County Bank 
maintained its credit, honored every draft, and 
passed through the ordeal unscathed; this, too, 
when the nearest banks to the north, east and 
west (lho.se of Upper Sandusky, Findlay and 
Ada) were unabled to meet the runs made upon 
them and were obliged to suspend business. 

Though his duties are many and his position 
one of great responsiI)ility, Mr. Meyer is still de- 
voted to athletic sports. In ba.se ball he is espe- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



34' 



ciallj' interested, and in 1894-95 served as Cap- 
tain of the Kenton team. He also takes a promi- 
nent i)art in local theatricals, and in that capacity 
his scrsiccs are in demand in other towns. He 
was made a Mason in Senate Lodge No. 378, 
I*". & A. M., and is serving his second term as 
Master. He is a member of Scioto Chapter No. 
119, R. A. M., at Kenton, and is also active in 
Kenton Council No. 65, R. &. S. M. In the 
Ohio Bankers' Association he takes an active 
part. Such are his energy and judgment, as dis- 
played in the management of his business affairs, 
that he has gained the confidence of the people, 
and is known and respected as a progressive 
young man, of the utmost integrity, great indus- 
try and far-.seeing discrimination. 



EIIARLIvS W. WIKOFF. Tlie career (if this 
gentleman has been marked b\- enterprise, 
and the well directed efforts that have been 
rewarded by the accumulation of a good property. 
He is at present .senior member of the finn of 
C. W. Wikoff & Co., dry-goods merchants of 
Forest, where they do a large and paying tnisi- 
ness. 

A native of this state, our subject was born in 
Adams County, October 21, 1834, to William 
and Margaret (Stockard) Wikofif. The father 
was likewise born in Adams County, in the year 
1812. He, in. turn, was the son of James Wi- 
koff, whose birth occurred in New Jersey, whence 
he came to Ohio about 1800, locating in the 
above county. Mrs. Margaret ( Stockard ) \Vi- 
koff was born in Virginia. Her father dying 
when she was quite young, her mother afterward 
married Rev. James Gurley, a well known Meth- 
odist minister, by whom she was reared. The 
mother lived for many years in Fairfield Countj', 
Ohio, whither her husband came, and after their 
marriage thej' continued to make that section 
their home until their decease, both dying when 
aljout sixty-five years of age. 



Charles W. Wikoff, who is a well educated 
gentleman, completed his .studies in the Fairfield 
Academy, at Rushville, Ohio-. He lived at home 
until twenty-eight years old, although from the 
time of reaching his majority he made his own 
way in the world. About this time he went to 
New Salem, and, forming a partnership with John 
Carolas, established a dry-goods business. This 
connection existed until March 4, 1869, when Mr. 
Wikoff disposed of his share of the stock and came 
to Forest. Here for the following four or five 
years he had a general store, selling dry goods, 
groceries, etc. In 1873, however, he gave his at- 
tention strictl}' to the grocery business, and ten 
years later, a good opportunity presenting itself 
for opening a dry-goods store, he did .so. in com- 
pany with Capt. John Campbell. The firm was 
well known throughout this section, and for eleven 
years conducted a very lucrative business, under 
the name of Campbell & Wikoff. In February, 
1895, they separated by mutual consent, dividing 
the stock, and since then our subject has carried 
on business with his son, Harlan C. They carry 
a good stock, which they retail at popular prices, 
and by honest dealing have secured the patron- 
age of the best people of Forest and the surround- 
ing country. The building which they occupy is 
40x90 feet in dimensions, one-half of which is 
rented to other parties as a drug store. 

In addition to this enterpri.se, Mr. Wikoff owns 
a farm of eighty acres near Forest, and has an in- 
terest in a natural-gas company, whose plant is 
situated one mile from the town. He also holds 
stock in the Forest Creamer}', and in all these 
business interests he manifests an almost equal 
amount of zeal for the public welfare. He may 
be counted upon to bear a part in every worthy 
enterprise promulgated in the neighborhood, and 
is particularly interested in the cause of educa- 
tion. 

Mr. Wikoff and Miss I{li/.abeth Wiseman were 
married June 7, 1S66. Their son, Harlan C, 
who was educated at the Wesleyan University of 
Delaware, is in business with his father: Lavina 
died at the age of sixteen years; Maggie is also 
deceased; and Emma is attending the high school. 
Our subject is an official member of the Method- 



342 



PORTKAIT AND 1510GRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ist Episcopal Church, and a man of much influ- 
ence in his coninutnity. He is a prominent Ma- 
son, as is also his son, Harlan C, being members 
of Senate Lodge No. 378. Charles Wikoff has 
held nearlj- all the chairs of his lodge, and has 
been sent as a representative to the Grand Lodge 
at various times. In politics he is a stanch Re- 
publican. 



a^E 



QuHX L. KROUT. This respected resident 
I of Hardin County is di.stingui.shed as one of 
\~) the veterans of the late war, as well as a pros- 
perous agriculturist of Jackson Township, his 
fine estate being located on section 6. He is a 
native of Maryland, and was born in Baltimore 
County, December 6, 1832. His parents soon 
after his birth removed to York County, Pa., 
where John L. grew to manhood, trained in the 
work of a farmer. His father, who also bore the 
name of John, in addition to his estate owned a 
paper-mill, and here also our subject received a 
practical education. He later carried on a mer- 
cantile trade in Stewartstown, York County, but 
after four years' experience in lliis line, found 
farming a more prosperous occuitalinn, aiullieiice 
returned to the old place. 

In the year 1862 our subject came to Hancock 
County, this state, and on the outbreak of the 
Civil War was living in Delaware Town.sliip, near 
Mt. Hlanchard. In answer to the call for more 
volunteers, he offered his .services and was mus- 
terud into Ci>in])any I), Ninety-ninth Ohio Infan- 
lr\ , in August, 1S62. His regiment was .sent 
into Kentucky, joining the Army of the Cumber- 
lind, willi which Mr. Krout remained for nine 
nionlhs, wiien he was hoiiorabl\- discharged on 
account of failing health. 

After his experience as a Union .soldier, our 
subject again returned to his farm in Hancock 
County, and there made his home until 1887' 
His projierty there included two hundred and 
twenty-three acres of land, the greater part of 



which he improved himself. He made a specialty 
of breeding Shorthorn cattle, and in the sale of 
these animals he reaped a handsome profit. In 
the above year he rented his farm there and came 
to Hjirdin County. Here until recently he con- 
tinued to raise Shorthorn cattle ou his estate of 
two hundred acres. It is conveniently located 
near the village of Forest, and since Mr. Krout 
has erected a fine dwelling thereon it is oue of 
the most attractive in the township. 

February 20, i86i, our subject was married to 
Mi.ss Mary Free, of York County, Pa. Her par- 
ents, Peter and Naomi (Lowe) Free, were natives 
of Mar\land, and moved to New Freedom, York 
County, Pa., where they lived until their deaths. 
Our subject and his wife have three sons, viz.: 
Frank, residing on tlie farm in Hancock County; 
William A., emjiloyed in the Forest City Flour- 
ing-mill; and Edwin R., attending school. Mr. 
Krout has always been a stanch Republican in 
politics, and at all times uses his influence in ad- 
vancing its cause. While in Hancock County he 
served as Tru.stee of his town.sliip, faithfully dis- 
charging his duties, although he had no predilec- 
tion for public life. He is a member of the Meth- 
odist F^piscopal Church, and was the first Class- 
Leader of the church near his home. As a matter 
of course, he belongs to the Grand Army of the 
Republic, and is connected with Stanley Post No. 
2S3, of Forest. 



^aii•^^^il^#i#S^^ 



ITZRA CAM1'1;1;LL. No better representa- 
Y^ live of lione.st, upright manhood can be 
I found than the above-named gentleman, an . 
influential fanner of Marion Township. His es- 
tate is located on section 16, and comprises sev- 
enty-seven acres. In addition to this Mr. Camp- 
bell is proprietor of a fiftv-acre tract in Grand 
Prairie Township, Marion County, which he also 
operates himself 

Our subject is a native of this county, and was 
born January i6, 1S37, in Grand Prairie Town- 



PORTRAIT AND P.KKIRAI'IIICAL RECORD. 



343 



ship. He is the eldest cliild in a family of ei,i;ht 
born to his parents, Michael and Mary (Bil)ler) 
Campbell. vSaimiel, the next in order of birth, is 
a farmerof this ccmnty; Annie is the wife of John 
R. Jury, and resides in \\'>andot County, this 
.state; John 15. is a well-to-do ai;ricultnrist of this 
county; Barbara married Iram Norton, and re- 
sides in Tapper v*-iandnsky; Kllen is now Mrs. 
M. O. Harmon, of this county. Two died in in- 
fancy. 

Michael Campbell was born in Ross County, 
Ohio, in iSii, and there contimied to make his 
home until 1.S33, when he came to Marion Coun- 
ty and purchased land in Cirand Prairie Town- 
.ship, where he spent the remainder of his life, 
dying when seventy -eiiLiht years of age. He was 
a Republican in politics, and his high .sense of 
honor and general fitness for any of the townslii]i 
offices were well known bv the voters of the 
township, and on various occasions he was elected 
to positions of responsibility and trust. He was 
one of the pioneers of Marion County, and during 
his residence here accumulated a large amount of 
land, which he left to his family. His parents 
were of Irish de.scent. The grandfather, who was 
an agriculturist, died at I^a Porte, Ind., and the 
grandmother died in Ross County, this state. 

The mother of our subject was a native of Lan- 
caster Couiit>', this slate, and her death occurred 
in this county when in her eightieth \ear. Her 
parents were among the very first to locate in 
this state, coming here while it was yet a terri- 
tor\- and making their place of residence in Ma- 
rion County. Kzra Camjibell remained at home 
until of age, in the mean time carrying on his 
studies in the conunon schools. Upon attaining 
his majority, he rented land from his father for 
several years, and was later gi\'en a ])ortion of 
the old homestead, which he made his home until 
18S1. He then purchased seventy acres adjoin- 
ing the city of Marion, where he has since made 
his liome, and which is a \er\- valuable tract. 
The owner is an honest, intelligent man, of true 
Iri.sh wit, and is a favorite with all. 

February 15, 1S77, Mr. Campbell and Miss 
Olive Jerry were united in marriage. The lady was 
born in \\'\andot Count\-, this state, and bv their 



union have l^een born six children, viz. : Michael, 
Frederitk, Nellie, Jennie, Jessie and Eddie, all 
at home, Following in the foot.steps of his hon- 
ored father, our subject is a stanch Republican in 
politics, .ind on that ticket has been elected Trus- 
tee of his township. He is not a mend)er of any 
church, but assists all denominations in his neigh- 
borhood in a material w.ay. He is very much in- 
terested in all things IcKiking toward the improve- 
ment of his section. His is one ol the representa- 
ti\e families of this count>-, and of its members 
Marion Connt>- may well be prontl. Ivnergetic, 
honest, progressive and upright, these are the 
kind of ]ieo])le who will Iiuild up an>' section and 
make it take a high rank among the communities 
of this great state. 



<OC'8:+****++*-5"{''!'^*+*++-5"5'*+++*:X> 



(TOHN A. CtRIFFIvS, who resides on section 27, 
I Rig Island Township, was the son of Thomas 
(2) and Mary (Dito) Griffis. He was born Jan- 
uary 24, 1.S-I9, in Kosciusko Count\', Ind., on a 
farm. His father and mother were born in this 
state, the lornier No\emlier 13, iS(i6. He died 
December 10, i.S.SS. 

In iSv Thomas Oriftis went to Indiana, where, 
in addition to purchasing a tract of land, he was 
gi\-eu a farm by his falher-in-law. He gave his 
personal super\ision to the cultivation of this 
property, becoming one of tlie most prominent 
citizens of the township, and was at all times in- 
terested in public affairs. 

The parental family inchuled fifteen children, 
of whom the eldest, William, was born h'eljrnary 
25. ^^^^', Sarah I{. was born January 22, 1.S40, 
and on reaching womanhood married a Mr. Reed; 
Elizabeth was born September 20, 1841, anil later 
became the wife of Jerry Goren; Jnlia A. was 
born May 5, 184,1, and died when young in years; 
James A, was born January 5, 1845; Mary M., 
who was born February r6, 1847, married Jes.se 
Scott and is now deceased; John A. , of this sketch, 
was the ne.xt born; Wilson C. was born Decendier 



344 



PORTRAIT AND P.IOGRAl'IIICAL RECORD. 



i6, 1850, and died at the age of fourteen years; 
Nancy M. was born August 23, 1853, and de- 
parted this Hfe after her marriage to Milton 
Fisher; Thomas D. was born March 12, 1855; 
Joseph 0., March 19, 1857; Ida A., who was 
born April 17, 1859, is now Mrs. Frank Raffann: 
Henrj' H. was born November 21, i860; Charles 
E., whose birth occurred June 22, 1863, is de- 
ceased; and Adolphus E., born November 18, 
1865, is now living near St. Joseph, Mo. 

Like all lads of many years ago, our subject 
obtained his education in the schools of the dis- 
trict and spent his leisure time in farm duties un- 
til old enough to perform a man's work, when 
his services were made use of all the year round. 
He was married, August 3, 1871. to Miss Mary, 
daughter of Levi and Harriet (Knowles) Hip- 
sher, natives of Pennsylvania, where they were 
farmers. Mrs. Griffis was born July 15, 1843. 
She had nine brothers and sisters, of whom we 
make the following mention; David was born 
July 19, 1839, and is now deceased; Malvina, 
born July 14, 1841, died when thirtj'-one years 
of age; Catherine, born February 28, 1846, is 
now the wife of John Smith and lives in Mentone, 
Ind.; Hiram, born December 15, 1849, is de- 
ceased; Maria, born Jaiuiary 6, 1851, is now the 
wife of Piatt Fleak, of Meigs County, this state; 
Clari.ssa, born March 25, 1855, married Henry 
Cramer, who is now deceased; William, born De- 
cember 15, 1857, makes his home in this county; 
Ida, born July 15, i860, is the wife of Frank 
O'Brien, a resident of Marion County; Emily li., 
born P'ebruary 10, 1864, married J<ilin Ikrchfield, 
a well-to-do farmer of this vicinity. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Griffis tiiere have been born 
two children. Edward O., born July 9, 1878, a 
bright, studious lad, is now attending the college 
at Ada, this state; Melvin A., born February 22, 
1880, is a student in the liome .schools. The wife 
of our subject had lieen married previous to her 
union with him to Thomas Woods, and to them 
was born a son, David A., March 8, 1S66. He 
was aflfiicled with blindness and dci)arte<l this life 
while in the Cook County Hosj)ital at Chicago, 
July 12, 1S91. 

In his political relations our subject is a I<e]nib- 



lican, and is a man of influence in his party. He 
I takes great pride in his sons, and feels that in a 
! few years the property which he has accumulated 

will be well looked after by them and safe in their 

hands. 



-+-. 



^+ 



ILLIAM COTTERILL, who is engaged in 
L;eiieral farming and stock-raising on sec- 
tion 32, Wasliington Township, Hardin 
County, has made all of the many good imjjrove- 
raents upon his place himself Commencing life 
a poor boy, he gradually worked his way to a 
position of prominence and ample means b\' un- 
remitting toil and industry. He is a Democrat, 
and has been elected by those of his political faith 
to act in public office on several occasions, among 
others in the post of Towiiship Clerk and Trustee. 
Thomas Cotterill, father of our subject, was 
twice married. William is the only child of 
his union with Rebecca Till, and to his subse- 
quent marriage with Ann Barber a son, Thom- 
as, now a resident of Kan.sas, was born. The 
birth of William Cotterill occurred in Spalding, 
Lincolnshire, P^igland, August 17, 1825. When 
about one year old his parents moved to Easton, 
Northamptonshire. His boyhood was happily 
and quietly spent in that village, where he went 
to school when of suitable age. At the period 
when it became advisable to start the youth in 
some calling or occupation he was apprenticed to 
a baker. He served from the time he was fifteen 
until he was in his seventeenth year, after which 
he worked as a journeyman for a few years. 

In 1 85 1 Mr. Cotterill cros.sed the Atlantic in a 
sailing-vessel, the "Captain We.st," and when 
about six weeks had been passed on the water he 
arrived in Philadeljihia. Not long afterward he 
came to Kenton and rented a farm. The follow- 
ing winter he purcha.sed forty acres on section 16, 
Pleasant Township. This property was unim- 
proved school land, and he had to build a log 
cabin to live in tlie first thing. After cultivating 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



345 



this farm for a year or more, the owner moved to 
another homestead, which possessed advantages 
over the former place, and for twelve years lived 
on rented farms. He then bought eighty acres, 
to the development of which he has since given 
his energies, with good results. 

June 29, 1.S47, the marriage of Mr. Cotterill 
and Jane Cotterill was celebrated in England. 
To the worthy couple were born thirteen chil- 
dren; Thomas; Rebecca; Sarah and William, 
deceased; Henry; Alice; Ricluird; Joseph; Will- 
iam E., deceased; Mary E. ; Jane, deceased; Har- 
riet E.; and Minnie, deceased. The faithful wife 
and mother departed this life June 19, 1892, and 
was interred in the Kenton Cemetery. She was 
a member of the Methodist Church, and was be- 
loved by all who knew her. Mr. Cotterill has 
also been an active worker in the Methodist 
Church for many years, and supports religious 
and educational enterprises in a creditable manner. 
He is well liked by the neighbors and people in 
geneial of this locality, for he attends strictl\- to 
his own affairs, at the same time meeting his du- 
ties as a citizen with promptness and fidelity. 



|IEEIAM BIvSH, an enterprising agricul- 
turist of Cessna Township, Hardin Count}-, 
is a veteran of the Mexican War, and can 
relate many interesting reminiscences of those 
far-away daj's. During a period of over forty 
years his fortunes have been interwoven with 
those of this section, and at all times he has man- 
ifested great interest in whatever has been calcu- 
lated to benefit the county and its inhabitants. 

On the paternal side our subject is of Cierman 
lineage. If is father was a native of \'irgiiiia, and 
there he married Mary Drawbaum, b>- whom he 
had twelve children, six .sons and six daughters. 
About 1828 the family .started with all their 
worldly possessions in a wagon to seek a new 
home in Ohio. Arriving here, they made a set- 
tlement in Fairfield Countv, on a farni near Basil. 



William Bish was born in Rockingham County, 
Va., February 20, 1828. When he was brought 
b}' his parents to the Buckeye State he was an in- 
fant of only a year and a-half The boy received 
a common-.scliool education, and helped his father 
with the farm work until he was seventeen years 
of age, when, desiring new .scenes and novelty, 
he enlisted in a company of the Second Ohio Vol- 
unteers, and was nuistered into the Mexican .serv- 
ice at Cincinnati. He took jiart in numerous 
skirmishes, and made the long march from Vera 
Cruz to the cit>- nf Mexico and back again. At 
the close of tlic war he was granted an honorable 
discharge as a pri\ate. In the W'ar of the Rebel- 
lion he again took up arms in defense of his coun- 
try's rights, becoming a member of Ciimpan\ K, 
One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Infantry. At 
Camp Cha.se he was mustered in and was then 
sent to Nashville. He participated in the battle of 
Kingston, marched from Nashville to Deckest's 
Station, later followed Hood as far as Cohunbia, 
and was finally released from service at vShiloh, 
his discharge being dated at Columbus, Juh- 25, 
I,S65. 

At the close of the Mexican War Mr. Bisii re- 
turned to Fairfield County and resumed farming. 
For nearly three ye.-irs he hired out to neighbors 
as an assistant in the \'arious duties pertaining to 
the routine of farm work. Then for .some time 
he lived in Fr.mklin Countw and in the fall of 
1852 became a resident nf this localitw .Alter 
conducting a farm in Marion Township about 
eighteen months he bouglit fiftx -nine acres on sec- 
tion 7, and that tract he still owns. The onlv 
sign of imjirovement at this time was a clearing 
of about four acres, and here Mr. Bish i)Ut U]) a 
log house, which ser\e<l a.s a home for his faniiis 
eighteen years. In 1.S71 he renio\-ed to his pres- 
ent place of abode, the farm being a \-ahiable one 
of two luuulred and fort \ -seven acres. 

August 4, 1S50, .Mr. Bish married Iviiz;i J. 
Gray, who was born December i,s, 1833, •""' '^ 
a daughter of Thomas and Harriet (Hughes) 
Gray. Of the children born to our subject and 
wife, George W. died in infancx-; FHizabeth died 
in 1874; Ellen died I'ebruary 9, 1874; Willard W. 
was killed on the Chicago & Erie Railroad, Feb- 



346 



PORTRAIT AND lUOGUAlMIICAL RECORD. 



ruarj' 19, 1894; William D. is next in order of 
birth; John died in infancy; and Clara H. and 
Roscoe complete the mnnber. 

For four or five terms Mr. Bish officiated as 
Trustee and School Director of this township. 
His own educational advantages were limited, 
and he appreciates the modern and progressive 
ideas now used in connection with our .schools. 
He uses his right of franchi.se in behalf of the 
Democratic part\-. 



V<3). A^^..— _JS' 



~ LIAS E. RILEY. The career of this gentle- 
's man has been one of perseverance and integ- 
^ rity, and has been crowned with the success 
which those meet who steadily pursue their way. 
He is now living on section 17, Montgomery 
Township, Marion County, where lies his fine 
estate of one hundred and fifty-four well improved 
and prf)ductive acres. In addition to this he 
owns one hundred and ten acres in Marion Town- 
ship. 

Our subject was born May 3, 1844, in Marion 
Township, to William and Mary (Courts) Riley. 
The father was born in Delaware, while the 
mother was a \'irginian by birth. When a small 
boy the father of our subject went to Pickaway 
County, Ohio, with his parents, and later, in 1826, 
came to this county, where he entered land in 
Marion Township. Until 1S75 he followed the 
occupation of a farmer, and that year moved into 
the city of Marion, .sjiending the remainder of his 
life in ea-se and comfort. He pa.ssed away P'eb- 
ruary 15. 1887. His good wife preceded him to 
the better land, dying May 14, 1879. William 
Riley was one of the largest land-owners in this 
portion of Ohio, having accumul;ited eight hun- 
dred acres by his own efforts. His children, nine 
in number, were given such advantages for ob- 
taining educations as could l)e had in the neigh- 



borhood, and when reaching mature years they 

were one and all aided in a verj- substantial way 
by their father. 

Amanda M., the elde.st daughter of William 
Riley, was born July 23, 1832, and is now the 
widow of Barney Shaffer, of Marion; Hiram W. 
was born April 20, 1835;, and is now a resident 
of Portland, Ore.; Martin J. was born June 28, 
1838, but is now deceased; George F. was born 
April 28, 1841, and is also decea.sed ; our subject 
was the next-born; Mary E., born June 6, 1847, 
died in June, 1875; John C. was born October 21, 
1849; Louisa, who.se birth occurred February 28, 
1854, died April 22 of the same year; Sarah, 
born February 11, 1858, died December 3, 1877. 
The mother of this family was born September 
14, 18 14, and was therefore sixty-five years old 
at the time of her decease. May 14, 1879. Will- 
iam Riley was born January 16, 1802. He was 
a devoted member of the Christian Church, and 
in politics cast a vote for Republican candidates. 

The original of this sketch was married, Octo- 
ber 9, 1873, to Miss Frances Furlong, the daugh- 
ter of H. A. and Elizabeth (Hicks) Furlong, na- 
tives of New York. They came to this state, 
however, many years ago, and here were engaged 
in farming for the remainder of their lives, own- 
ing property in Hardin County. Mr. and Mrs. 
Furlong became the parents of a ver}' large fani- 
il)', only four of whom, however, lived tcf mature 
years. Frances, the wife of our subject, was 
born in Oswego County, N. Y., October 9, 1854, 
and after seventeen years of married life died, 
July 7, 1890. She had three children, two of 
whom now live with our subject. Bessie L.. 
born February 26, 1875, is the wife of J. W. 
Hoagland, and lives in Bowling Green Town- 
ship, this county. Alma and I-Hma are at home. 
Mrs. Riley was a devoted member of the Baptist 
Church, of which she was a regular attendant. 
She was a loving wife and kind and devoted 
mother. 

Mr. Rile\' remained under the parental roof 
for six years after attaining his majority, it being 
his duty to manage the large estate of his father. 
Upon starting out for himself he was given a 
quarter-section of the home place, to which he 




C1IAR1.I-:S C. I.ICMICRT. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



349 



has since added, until his possessions aggregate 
two hundred and sixty four acres. He is de- 
servedly spoken nf as one of tlu' leadins; farmers 
of this section, as he is Imlli industrious and en- 
terprising. He raises im his place good grades 
of stock in large luunhcrs, besides devoting the 
most productive purliDU of his land to grain rais- 
ing, lie is also a nienilier of the 15aplist Church, 
and siicialK- is a Imvc Mason. In pulitical iii.it 
lers lie is a stanch Repnlilican, 



Ell.XRIJ'S C. LKMKRT. Not only in Har- 
<lin Cninit\-, (if which he is the Prosecuting 
.\tt(irne\-, litil also throughout the state, Mr. 
r,eniert is kmiwn and recognized as one of Ohio's 
most alile and successful lawxers. In the .science 
and philosophy' of the law he is well grounded, 
and whether before court or jury he is strong, 
logical and forceful in the ]iresentation of a case. 
Owing to his special practice as a pro.secutor, he 
has brought to bear on that branch of the law a 
large amount of research into the intricacies of 
the profession, ;ind now stands, well equijijied in 
knowledge and legal acumen, among the strong 
prosecutors of the state. To him is largely due 
the credit of having made the fir.st conviction in 
the first degree for nuirder in Hardin County. In 
fact, it became known as the most noted caiisf 
a'/chir in this count \-. 

A native of Ohio, Mr. Leniert was born in 
Licking Coiuit\-, October 19, 1865. His father, 
George L. , also a nati\e of that countv, was born 
in 1841. There he had large landed interests 
and was successful in his occupation of farming. 
During the Civil War he served in Company A, 
Seventy-sixth Ohio Infaiitr\-, and on his return 
from the field of battle again took up the peace- 
ful jiursuits of agriculture. On the old homestead 
he continued to reside tuitil his decea.se, which 
occurred when Charles C. was about six years of 
age. His wife, who.se maiden name was Sarah 
Kvans, was born in Ohio, whither her parents 
had removed in the early days of its settlement. 



She is still living, and at the present time makes 
her home in Wyandot County. 

The family of (k-orge L. .-uid .Sarah Lemert 
compri.sed three sons and two daughters, of whom 
our subject was Ihr eldest but one. (Jf these, 
Cary I"., died in 1SS7. Charles alternated work 
on his filhci's firm with attendance at the dis- 
trict .school until reaching his .se\-enteenth year, 
wIkii, desiidus of pursuing his studies further, 
he entered Hr- ()liio Normal University at Ada, 
where he completed his literarv education. After 
leaving scIkkiI he entered the oflice of R. I', Hlack, 
one of tile leading attorneys of the above citj', 
and began reading law under his instruction. 
March 1, 1S.S7, he was admitted to llie liar, and 
one month later was elected City Solicitor (.)f Ada. 
Later he came to Kenton, where he .still resides, 
h'or one year he practiced his profession in part- 
nership with Col. L. M. Strong. During the 
time inter\'ening between that period and 1893, 
he conducted his affairs alone, and in the fall of 
the last-named year was elected Pro.secuting At- 
torney of Hardin County on the Republican ticket. 
He is one of the most able lawyers of the county, 
and as .such is very popular. 

Charles C. Lemert and Miss Nettie Riley were 
united in marriage in Ada, February 15, 1888. 
She was born in \'an Wert, this state, and is the 
daughter of Levi and Amelia Riley, natives of 
Maryland. To our subject and wife have been 
born a .son and two daughters: HlaineE., Paul- 
ine and Helen. 

In .Social affairs Mr. Leniert is a Knight of 
Pythias, belonging to the Uniformed Rank. He 
is an ardent Republican in his political views 
and is well known in business, .social and politi- 
cal circles of this county, within who.se confines 
he has hosts of friends. 



IILLIAM H. RROWN. Ju.st thirty years 
have passed away since this well known 
and respected citizen of Il.ardin County 
took up his abode in our niidsl. During this 



350 



PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPIIlCAL RECORD. 



period he has been thoroughlj' interested in her 
development, and has aided every enterprise start- 
ed for the good of the community. His valuable 
farm is finely located in Cessna Township, and 
comprises sixty -two acres. In 1869 Mr. Brow-n 
was elected on the Republican ticket to the posi- 
tion of County Surveyor (prior to which time he 
had filled out an unexpired term), and in this ca- 
pacity he acted to the full satisfaction of all for 
ten years. 

The father of the above gentleman, Looinis 
Brown, was a native of New York State and of 
German descent. His w'ife, whose maiden name 
was Amancy Gifford, was born in New York. 
They had but two children, William H. and 
George. The latter was born July 11, 1S37, and 
is now living in Waterloo, Iowa. 

William H. Brown was born at Amsterdam, 
N. Y., July 25, 1835. In 1847 he emigrated to 
the Buckeye State in company with his parents. 
They became residents of Medina County, and 
there the boy grew to manhood. The spring of 
1865 witnessed his departure from the paternal 
rooftree, and, coming to this county a few years 
afterward, he located on section 23, Cessna Town- 
ship. The place was co\'ered with dense forests, 
and no improvements worthy of mention had 
been made thereon. Through the untiring efforts 
of our subject there may now be seen fertile fields, 
bearing abundant crops, and a thrifty, well kept 
set of farm buildings. He is also the owner of a 
good place in Medina County, this state. 

November 24, 1859, the marriage of Mr. Brown 
and Jennie Richards took place. There were 
four children born of that union: Virginia, Flor- 
ence, Erwin and Celia. The mother died Novem- 
ber 23, 1S79, and all but one of the children, Er- 
win, have also been summoned by tlie angel of 
death. February 19, 1880, Mr. Brown married 
Miss Mary Scott, by whom he has five children: 
William L., Georgie, Kdwin, Myra and Karl. 

The elementarj- education of William H. Brown 
was obtained in the district schools, where he pur- 
sued his studies until he was about sixteen years 
old. Two years later he entered Baldwin I'niver- 
sity, taking a four-years scientific course. In or- 
der to meet hisexpen.sesthe ambitions young man 



worked, at all spare moments, for his uncle at 
cabinet-making. He is a friend to education and 
to all worthy enterprises and charities. 



GlNDRHW ORAF.MILI.KR. The substantial 
I I and well-to-do citizens of Jackson Township, 
I I Hardin County, have no better representa- 
tive than our subject, who stands high among the 
progressive farmers and stock-rai.sers who are so 
ably conducting the agricultural interests of this 
part of the county. His home, which is one of 
the best farm houses in the county, is plea.santlj- 
located on section 31, and is attractive in appear- 
ance. 

Our subject was born in Ma,<;.sillon, .Stark Coun- 
ty, this state, August 5, 1S38, and when a boy 
went to Crawford County with his parents. After 
the death of these worthy people Andrew located 
near Mt. Blanchard, Hancock County, remain- 
ing there four years, when he again made a move, 
this time coming to Hardin County, where he 
displayed great ability in the management of his 
farm. He located on section 31, securing a tract 
of eighty acres, but is now making his home 
with his son James, and leaves the management 
! of his estate to the care of another .son. The 
house which he now occupies is a fine two-story 
j brick structure, containing twelve rooms, which 
I are finished in modern style. His .son James is 
I a thorough business man, and has been cxceed- 
! ingly prospered in cultivating the .soil. 

Andrew Grafmiller was married, September 3, 
' 1 861, to Miss Mary Ann Patton, adopted daugh- 
ter of James Clemens, formerly of Crawford Coun- 
ty, where he held the position of County Coro- 
ner. His death occurred at the home of our 
sul)ject. Mrs. Grafniiller was born in Crawford 
I Countv, and by her union with our suljject has 
1 become the motlier of three children. The eldest, 
' James Andrew, married Sarah Jane Baker, and 
their three daughters and one son are named, re- 



PORTRAIT AND RIOGRAPIIICAL RKCORI). 



.V=|i 



spectively, Edna, Lydia, Mattliew A. and OUie 
Mildred. This son owns a fine tract of sixty 
acres of land, and it is with him that our subject 
makes his home. Mary Knniia Grafmiller mar- 
ried John B. Gardner, of Larimore, N. Dak. 
William Augustus lives on a farm adjoining the 
old homestead. He married Ada Belle Robinson, 
and their family includes Etta Viola, Cora, Ivm- 
erson and Lester. 

Mr. Grafmiller is a Prohibitionist, politically. 
He is a member of the luireka Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, which was erected on laud donated 
to the congregation by his son James. His life 
record is a good one. and such as to commend 
him to the respect of the entire community. 



:^^(^ 



QOH-N CALL AM is the proprietor of the 
I Michigan Lvimber Compani', of Kenton, his 
G/ yards being the largest of the kind in central 
Ohio. He was born in Toronto, Canada, Janu- 
ary 14, 1839. His father, Peter Callam, who was 
born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, was by trade a 
carpenter and builder. He po.s.sessed a good ed- 
ucation, and after coming to America in 1830 
settled at Toronto. Canada, where he contracted 
for .some of the largest buildings in that cit\', and 
was al.so the bin'Ider of the Wellington Locks. 
He afterward went to Hamilton, Ontario, and 
later to vSaginaw, Mich., where he engaged in 
the hnnber business and became very wealthy. 
He died in February, 1892, at the age of eighty- 
seven years. He was a devout member of the 
Presbyterian Church, and ser\'ed as Elder in the 
congregation to which he belonged. 

Mrs. Mary (Micha) Callam was also born in 
Scotland, and after coming to America accom- 
panied her hu.sband on his various removals, dy- 
ing, at the advanced age of eighty-three years, in 
Michigan. She reared a faniil)- of five .son.s and 
two daughters. The eldest, Peter, is residing on 
a farm in Clare County, Mich., and is well-to-do. 
Jane married James Lee, formerly a woolen nian- 



ufacUULT in Canada, wlm later went tci .Saginaw, 
Mich., where his death occurred in 1892, his wife 
following him to the land beyond two or three 
days later. They left a family of nine children. 
William, tlie second son, is now living retired 
from business in .Saginaw, having made a fortune 
out of the hindier trade. James was less fortunate 
in a financial way than the other brothers, and is 
now in the enipl(i\- of our subject. Charles was 
the owner of a grocery in Mackinaw, Mich., at 
the time of his decease, in Feliruary, 1890. Mary 
married William J. Calkins, who was formerly in 
the lumber business, but at present is the proprie- 
tor of a hotel at Clare, Mich. 

Our subject was but three years of age when 
the parental family left Toronto for Hamilton. 
He was reared and educated in the schools of the 
latter city, after which he worked for his father 
in the lumber-yards for five years, when lie .started 
out to work for himself. He first went into the 
lumber camps at Big Creek, where the men were 
engaged in getting out large timbers to be used 
for ship-masts. In this branch of the business he 
was employed for three years, when he, with sev- 
eral otlier members of his family, including his 
father, started a large sawmill. This enterprise 
was carried on very ])rofitably for eight j'ears, 
when John, together with his brother William, 
crossed the line into the United States, becoming 
interested extensively in the lumber trade at Sag- 
inaw, Mich. The}' owned mills and ran camps, 
and also speculated to some extent in pine lands. 
As each made a handsome fortune, it is unneces- 
sary to say they were jirospered in tliis undertak- 
ing. 

In 1874 our subject came to Kenton and estab- 
lished the Michigan Lumber Company, which has 
since grown to great ])ro])ortions. In addition to 
his large yards, he owns and operates an exten- 
sive planing-mill, and a large .sash, door and blind 
factory, where an army of men is employed. Mr. 
Callam is the posses.sor of considerable valuable 
real estate in the city, occupying one of the finest 
residences on North Main Street, besides several 
farms in the surrounding country. 

Ten years ago our subject took in as a partner 
D. E. Bolton, who first entered his employ as a 



35^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



poor boy, but by strict attentidii to business and 
the assistance which Mr. Callani gave him, lie is 
now worth $25,000, and is justly rated as one of 
the substantial citizens of this community. Among 
the many splendid characteristics of our subject 
as a successful business man is one which it 
would do well if more would imitate, that is nev- 
er to let a bill go unpaid a single day after it is 
due. He is one of the Trustees of the water 
works, and has been a member of the City Coun- 
cil. Although he has now reached a point where 
it is unnecessary for him to work, yet he may be 
found any day employed about his large plant. 
Indeed, we doubt if he would be happy unless 
occupied, for he has made the one word "work" 
the motto of his life, and it has now become a 
part of his very l)eing. 

Mr. Callam was married at Saginaw, in 1872, 
to Miss Lsabella Reaid, formerly of Buffalo, N. Y. 
There have been born to them three daughters 
and one son. Nellie J. is now the wife of John 
Zug.swerlh, a clothing merchant of Polo, 111. ; 
George completed his education in the Orchard 
Lake College; and Hattie and I?essie are .still stu- 
dents in the home schools. In politics Mr. Cal- 
lam is a Republican, and greatly interested in the 
.success of his party, although he has never had 
time to hold office, his extensive interests consum- 
ing his entire time. 



(ToiIX I'OIT, of Cessna Township, Hardin 
I County, was President of the Pioneer Asso- 
0/ ciation one year and Vice-President two 
years. The house in which he lives was erected 
in 1S59, and stands in the midst of well tilled 
fields and substantial farm buildings. The owner 
has been quite extensively engaged in buying 
and selling live-stock, and in this line has met 
with success. 

A sf)n of Frederick and Kalherine ( Ilarlauch) 
Foit, natives of Germany, our subject was born 



in the province of Wittenberg, December 18, 
1822. His only sister married John F. Gramliech. 
John Foit was reared in a German village, but 
left the Fatherland in i8,-^8. Sailing for the United 
States, he reached Baltimore at the end of a voy- 
age of sixty-nine days, the trip to Ohio being 
made in a wagon. Frederick F'oit purchased 
eightj- acres in this township and built a log cabin 
of one room. His property was bought at sec- 
ond-hand, and he had to pay therefor $2.50 per 
acre. He died in the faith of the lyUtheran 
Church, in 1841, and lies buried on the old home 
place. His wife was called to her la.st rest in 
1844. 

John I"(iil li\c(l uiuK-r the parental roof until he 
was past his niajoritv . In 1S43 he chose as 
his future companion and Jielpinate in life liliza- 
beth Troutman, who died about a year afterward, 
leaving an infant son, John S. He later wedded 
Rebecca Yerger, who departed this life in 1854. 
By his marriage with Miss Marj' A. Smith, in 
1857, there were born the following children: 
Jonas J.; vStephen C; Kdward, Adam and Con- 
rad C, deceased; Melinda J.; William J. ; Thom- 
as O.; Melvin and vSarah, deceased; and Marga- 
ret, Mary, Knnna .uul Henr> . The mother of 
these children died in iSSi. To the lady who 
now bears the name of our subject he was mar- 
ried June 25, 1885, she being then Mrs. Hannah 
Harvej-, widow of William Han'ey. He died 
October 16, 1877. Of the three children of Mr. 
and Mrs. Harvey one died in infanc>', while the 
others are David and Lillian L. 

Before leaving his native land Mr. Foil received 
a good education in the German tongue. He 
moved to his farm on .section 3 in 1863, the place 
then consi.sting of eighty acres. The forest is 
now nearly all cleared away, the work having 
been done with ox-teams, and the farm now com- 
prises one hundred and fifty-five acres. Mr. Foit 
is a good Ijusiness man, and has been the archi- 
tect of his own fortune. Ever ready to do his 
share in whatever pertains to the public welfare, 
he holds an enviable place in the affections of 
his friends and neighbors. 

l'oliticall>- our subject votes in favor of the 
Prohibition |)arl\-. At various times he has 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL Ri:CORD. 



353 



served as Trustee, Supervisor and School Direc- 
tor. Both he and liis good wife are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Churcli, and at present 
he is a Class-leader. Man>- years ago, while a 
member of the Lutheran Church, he preaclied in 
his immediate neighborhood. 



^=- 



^-f 



UjIClIOLAS GICRLACII is one of the sterling 
\l German-American farmers of Hardin Couu- 
liD ty, and has alvvajs taken the utmost interest 
in whatever movements or enterprises have been 
started with a view to its u]ibnilding. For the 
pa.st thirty-five years he has li\ed on section 2S, 
Wa.shington Townshi]i, and through his indus- 
try and energy has changed tlie jilace from a 
den.se forest to a well kept and finely cultivated 
homestead. 

The worthy man whose name heads this sketch 
was born September 3, 1S22, and grew up in a 
German town. When he was fourteen years old 
he began working for his board and clothes, and 
was for three years an ajiprentice to the shoe- 
maker's trade. In 1S47 liu sailed for the New 
World, l)eing on the briny deei) eight\' live da>s. 
On reaching his destination he lontinued his 
westward journe\' luitil he funnd him.self in Chi- 
cago, then a small village of unjiromising appear- 
ance. However, \(iung Gerlach staj'ed there 
about a j'ear, after which he went across the plains 
by Iiorse-teani, the tri]) consuming fully four 
nuiuths. Near .Sacramento he engaged in mining, 
pnjspecting and general work tlnring the succeed- 
ing eight years. ( )n his return, in iS.S''^, he cjpened 
a store in Kentnn, ()hii>, nnining the same for 
two years. 

In isrx) Mr. Gerlach bought fortx acres of land 
in this township, there being iinl\ a lug cabin on 
the place. This was his home lor three >ears, 
and at the end of that time he .sold the tract. 
Later he became the owner of eighty acres, of 
which about thirty-five acres were cleared, and 



this has since been his placi.- of abodu. I'or 
nearly ten \ears be resided in tile old log rabin 
that was on the faini at the time that he bought 
it. 

The union of Mr. Gei laeli and Margaret Clock 
was celebrated Jannar\ 25, i.'^'"'. Their mar- 
riage was blessed with eight cluldren, as follows: 
Ro.se, T,i/./.ie, Mary, (rertrude and four .sons who 
died in infancy. Rose married Charles Wooley. 
They live in Ada, and have one daughter. May. 
Mary married William W'edert/. They have two 
children, lUmer and Laura, and live in North 
Washington. Gertrude married Henry Willeke, 
anil lives oil the home place. Prior to her mar- 
riage she taught .school forfixx- >ears. Mrs. Ger- 
lach, who was a faithful member of the Reformed 
Church, departed this life June 25, 1.SS7. 

Our subject is a supporter ot the princijiles ad- 
vocated b\' the Democratic party, and though not 
desirous of holding public office, was once pre- 
vailed upon to serve as Township Trustee. In 
his religions faith he is a Catholic. 






L-T- 



^' 



DWARD MOV. As one of the nnndier 
^ whose energ\' and abilit\' haw contiibuted 
__ to the development and maleiial resources 
of Hardin Counts', wepiesent the name an<l life 
record of I'Mward Mo\', who fa man\ years be- 
fore his death was a re.sident of this coun- 
ty, and for some time nuule bis lionu' in Ta\lor 
Creek Township. lie belonged to that class of 
citizens wlio, burn in loieigii lands, lui\e spent 
the larger part of their lives undei the protection 
of the American flag, anil are inten.sely lo_\;d to 
the welfare of their adopted country. 

Mr. Moy was a native of Switzerland, and was 
born .September 4, 1.S42. His jiarents, lienedict 
and Martha (.Swab) Moy, also natives of that 
country, emigrated to the United .States in 1850, 
and settled in Pleasant Township, Hardin County, 
Ohio, h'or a number of \e:irs the father worked 



354 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



at his trade of a .shoemaker, but in his declining 
years he lived retired from business, making his 
home with his .son Edward until his death, May 
17, 1880. His body was laid to rest in the ceme- 
tery at Kenton. His wife had passed away May 
8, 1872. Of their nine children, four are still liv- 
ing. 

Coming to America at the age of eight years, 
our subject grew to manhood in Hardin Comity. 
His marriage, which took place in Buck Town- 
ship, Januarj- i, 1865, united him with Miss 
Nancy Evans, who was born May 2, 1847, ^ 
daughter of David Evans. They have one son, 
Waldo B., who was born January 13, 1867, and 
married Mollie Kauffman, by whom he has two 
children: Darley, born May 31, 1891; and Clara, 
April 9, 1893. The only daughter of our .subject 
is Martha, who was married at the old home- 
stead, Januarj- i, 1889, to Edward Wallace, a 
native of Union County, Ohio, born July 14, 
1857, and a .son of James P. and Anna (Collins) 
Wallace. Mrs. Martha Wallace was born Janu- 
ary 15, 1870, and by her marriage has become the 
mother of two children: Anna Dot, born April 
II, 1891; and Moy Edward, December 12, 1893. 

At the age of twenty-one, our subject began in 
life for himself, and for .six years thereafter 
he worked out by the month, in the employ of 
farmers. Being prudent and economical, he 
saved his earnings until he had accumulated a 
.sufficient amount to enable him to purcha.se prop- 
erly for himself In Buck Township he bought 
a tract of seventy acres, but soon afterward re- 
moved to a farm north of Kenton, where he resid- 
ed for a year. Thence going to Buck Town.ship, 
he was engaged as a tiller of the soil for three 
years upon one farm and two years upon another 
place. He then .settled west of Kenton, where 
he remained for four years. March 28, 1877, he 
came to Taylor Creek Township, where he oper- 
ated a rented farm for two >ears, after which he 
liought the property, contiiniing to make it his 
home until his death, Junes, 1 8. s 5, aged forty - 
three years. His l)ody was buried in Wolf Creek 
Cemetery. 

Having accumulaled valuable po.sse.ssions, Mr. 
Moy left his widow amply provided for. His en- 



tire attention was given to agriculture, and the 
success which he gained was well deserved. He 
was a man of sincere Christian belief, and his life 
exemplified the earne.stness of his religious views. 
For some years before his demise he was actively 
identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church 
in Taylor Creek Town.ship. He maintained an 
active intere.st in county, state and national af- 
fairs, and always cast his ballot for the Republican 
party, believing its principles conducive to the 
highest good of the country. 



HIRAM I,. UNCAPHI-R, who is clas.sed 
among the prominent and esteemed young 
farmers of Marion Town.ship, makes his 
home on section 28, where his birth occurred 
July 31, i860. His parents were Joseph and Re- 
becca (Stonebarger ) Uncapher, the father born in 
Pennsylvania and the mother in Indiana. Both 
are now deceased, the father, who was born July 
12, 1809, dying April 12, 1894; and Mrs. Unca- 
pher, who was born October 16, 1817, passing 
from earth April 24, 1892. They were worthy 
and respected residents of Marion Township, and 
as old pioneers possessed the unlimited confidence 
of all who knew them. They were farmers by 
occupation, and became well-to-do in prosecuting 
their chosen calling. George Uncapher, the 
grandfather of our subject, came to America from 
France. 

To Joseph and Rebecca Uncapher was born a 
family of eight children, of whom Hiram L. was 
the youngest. Of his brothers and sisters we note 
the following: Daniel, born December 21, 1837, 
in Marion County, is still living here, engaged 
in the pension and insurance business. His two 
sons are J. Hermon and Luther. Isaac was born 
June 27, 1839, and died Ma>' 19, 1S41. Silas was 
born February 28, 1841, and is at present en- 
gaged in fanning in Marion Township. His chil- 
dren are EmmaL., the wife of Albert Cunnnings; 
and Perry J. at home. Darius was born Januarj' 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



355 



30, 1843, and now makes his home with his 
brotlier Jcihn. Th(.)mas J. was liorii June 12, 
1S46, antl makes his home in Hig Ishmd Town- 
ship, where he has a good larni. John X. was 
bom August S, 1.S50. 

December 21, 18S4, Hiram L. Uncapher was 
married to AlHe, daughter of Jacol) and EUzabeth 
( Huffman) Barks, natives, respectively, of Marion 
Count\', tliis state, and Pemisyh-ania. Mr. I5arks 
was born October 14, 1833, and his good wife 
March 8, 1836. Their three children were Allie, 
Mrs. Uncapher, born February 6. 1S62; Levi, 
who was born February 6, i.sr,^, and died in iu- 
fanc}'; and Olive, burn June ig, i8('>4, and who 
resides at home. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Uncapher has lieen born a 
family of four children, namely: Oda 15., born 
September 16, 1885; Olive, October 9, 1S87; Zola 
E., vSeptember 3, 1889; and Ella M., January 30, 
1892. The latter is now deceased, pa.ssing away 
September 17, 1894. The farm of our subject 
comprises about .seventy-five acres, whicli he cul- 
tivates in an admirable manner. Mr. ami Mrs. 
Uncapher are members in excellent standing of the 
Presbyterian Church. 



3#^C^ 



HENRY LOIvFFIvRT was a ]>rominent citi/en 
of Lynn Township, Hardin Cnnnty. His 
homestead comprised two hundred and 
eighty acres, in addition to which he had real es- 
tate in Kenton. Mr. Loeffert died June 11, i8S,s, 
in the sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich., where 
he luul been umler treatment for cancer of the 
stomach for abmit two months. Acceding to 
his request, the Odd h'ellows' societ\- of Kenton 
took charge of the funeral ser\-ices, which were 
very impre.ssi\-e, and were attended ]>y a large 
concourse of his friends and fellow-citi/tns. His 
loving children have erected to his menujrv a 
handsome monument as a slight expression of 
their affection. 

The birth of Henry LoeiTert occurred in Ger- 



many about 1 83 1, and there he lived until reach- 
ing his majority. He then .set sail for the United 
States, accompanied by his intended wife, Helena 
Shaffer, to whom he was married in Kenton, in 
which city she is still li\-ing. Mr. I.oeffert oli- 
tained work as a section hand at first, and later 
became a partner (.)f C. Koehler. From 1863 to 
1865 they were successfully engaged in the man- 
ufacture of brick, after which our subject con- 
tinued the business alone about ten years, giving 
empIo\-ment to fort\- nr fifl\' men. He also 
owned other yards, one in Dunkirk and another 
in West I^i))erty. Among the numerous con- 
tracts which he carrietl nut was that of sup- 
plying brick for the Hardin County Infirmary. 
In 1873 he retired from the business and devoted 
himself to farming on a jilace four miles north of 
Kenton. This farm of one hundred and twenty 
acres lie improved during the eight j-ears of his 
residence thereon. While in the brick business 
he erected a two-story brick storeroom in Kenton, 
which he owned at the time of his demise, be- 
sides the old Davis Corner in that city. Though 
he was a Democrat, our subject was not pleased 
with the result of office-.seeking, as when he ran 
for the position of Infirmary Director it cost him 
^1,800. He was liberal in his ideas, and though 
a member of the Lutheran Church had many 
friends in other denominations, one of his most 
intimate ones being Rev. Father Siedenfaker. He 
left his business affairs in good condition at his 
death. May 31 he had a .sale of his effects, and 
was ])resent at the same. His death occurred a 
little over a week later. He had no fear of the 
dread visitor, and often said that "a .scared child 
is not safe in hea\'en." 

x'\ntlrew Loeffert, sun of the foregoing old set- 
tler, was burn June 4, iSOu, and owns one hun- 
dred and thirt\- acres of land, bequeathed him by 
his father. He also owns the brick storeroom be- 
fore referred to, and now occupied by Ivl .Sorgen. 
For fourteen }ears he has lived on Survey No. 
9935. L>'nn Township, and diu'ing this time has 
become a practical agriculturist. 

February 24, 1886, Andrew Loeffert married 
Delias, daughter of Elias and Sarah Sellers, of this 
townshi]). .She was born March 24, 1.S67, in 



356 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Franklin County, Ohio, and has become the 
mother of the following children: Lena, Blanche, 
Andrew (who died at the age of eleven nionthsj, 
Nora and Jessie. 

Mary and Margaret, the two daughters of 
Henry Loeffert, married William Kiser and Nich- 
olas B. Bloom, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Ki- 
ser live on the old farm in Pleasant Township, but 
Mr. and Mrs. Bloom are both deceased. 



HiH. 



=-f 



nOHN A. FOGS is one of the extensive and 
I enterprising farmers of Marion County. His 
O home farm, which is on .section 5, comprises 
within its boundaries four hundred and sixty- 
three acres, all in one body. The soil is fertile 
and well adapted to general farming and stock- 
raising, and is one of the most valuable and de- 
sirable pieces of property in this locality. The 
owner began life a poor 1)()y, and is not only self- 
made but self-educated. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
Valentine Foos, who was of German descent. 
His son John, father of John A., was a native of 
Tennessee, born November 15, 1787. He mar- 
ried Miss Mary Age, who was born in Virginia 
and who was a daughter of Jacob Age. She be- 
came the mother of twelve children, as follows: 
William, who died in infancy; Margaret, Nathan 
and Knlh, also deceased; Katherine, wifeof Hiram 
Knolles, a farmer of Scott Township; John A.; 
Henry and Mary, deceased; James H., an agri- 
culturist of this township; Je.sse, deceased; Clin- 
ton, a fanner in Nodaway County, Mo.; and Ben- 
jamin, deceased. 

John Foos, our subject's father, was only three 
years old when his jiarenls .settled in Kentucky, 
and when he was in his si.vleenth \ear he moved 
to Franklin C<iunty, Oliio. When he emigrated 
to this county he made the journey with ox- 
teams. He bought eighty acres of land on sec- 
tion 21, Scott Township. Part of this was prai- 



rie and the remainder timber-land. The owner 
erected a log cabin, 18x22 feet in size, and here 
continued l(j live for about fifty years. After the 
death of his wife he removed to Indiana and mar- 
ried Mrs. Mary Jones, of Pulaski County. His 
death occurred in 1876, and his remains were 
placed in the cemeterj- at Latimberville, Marion 
Count}-. He was a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church and led a life of usefulness and 
piety. During the War of 1812 he was Captain 
of a company of militia, and after becoming a 
resident of this county held a number of town- 
ship offices. 

The birth of John Foos took place in what was 
then Radnor Township, Delaware County, Octo- 
ber 31, 181 9, and his early years were passed 
in the log cabin on his father's farm. His edu- 
cation was obtained in the sub.scription .schools of 
the day, a mile or two from home. When twelve 
years of age he became a resident of this county, 
and attended the .schools of Scott Township more 
or less until he was eighteen years old. Shortly 
after reaching his majority he started to make his 
own livelihood by working for farmers for wages. 
He next rented land In mi his father, who later 
gave him eighty acres in Scott Township. The 
land was iniimproved, and after putting up a log 
cabin the \()nng man moved to its shelter and 
continued U> dwell there for thirteen years. In 
1858 he niinxd U> his present farm, which was 
then pretty well under cultivation, and moreover 
a small log lion.se stood on the place. Mr. Foos 
has been very successful as a farmer and is a 
practical business man. 

December 28, 1843, occurred the marriage of 
our .subject and Ivli/abeth Lindsaj', who was born 
ill Fairfield County, Ohio, January 26, 1822. 
She has bect)me the mother of six children, viz.: 
James M., born March 1, 1845; Nathan, April 6, 
1847; Benjamin, who died in infancy, August 2, 
1849; Andrew, born May 8, 1851; George B., 
April 15, 1856; and Jane K., April 21, 1859. 
The death of George B. occurred May 17, 1867; 
and Jane K. passed from this life February 21, 
i860. The eldest .son and the next >-ounger are 
well known farmers of this township, and Andrew 
is .still living on the old homestead. 




JOSIU'II riMMONS. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



359 



Mr. Foos cast his first vote for Martin Van 
Biiren and has been a life-long Democrat. He 
has never been an office-seeker, bnt has accepta- 
l)ly filled the position of Township Trustee. 



-^ 



'r^i^fe. 






3(XSKPH TIMMONS. When the dark cloud 
of war hovered over our country, the sons of 
the Buckeye State were no less gallant than 
the patriots of other commonwealths. Among 
those who responded to the nation's appeal for 
soldiers was a lad of little more than fifteen, who 
with the enthusiasm of youth combined the wise 
judgment of the more mature. His military ca- 
reer and his subsequent civic life have afforded 
such abundant examples of the qualities of energy, 
firmness and indomitable perseverance, as to ren- 
der them familiar to his fellow-citizens, and no 
one in Kenton stands higher in the esteem of the 
people than does Joseph Tinnnons. 

Near Chambersburg, P'ranklin County, Pa., 
our subject was born November i8, 1845. His 
father, Maj. William W. Timmons, was born near 
Gettysburg, Pa., in 1800, and died December 30, 
1887. He was a contractor and builder, and un- 
der a contract built the large works owned bj' 
"Don' ' Cameron. His title was won by service as 
a Major of militia. The grandfather of our sub- 
ject, Peter Tinnnons, was a native of Pemisylva- 
nia and a descendant of Irish ancestors. During 
the War of 18 12 he was a member of the Concord 
Rifles, and was recognized as one of the leading 
men of his day. 

The mother of our subject, whose maiden name 
was Anna Maria Reifsneider, was born in Berks 
County, Pa., in 1805, and died in 1882. She 
came to Springfield, Ohio, with her father, Adam 
R. , who was one of the leading pioneers of that 
city. Our subject was one of twelve children, of 
whom nine are now living. Philip, a .soldier in 
the Eighty-fourth Indiana Infantry during the 



late war, was taken prisoner in front of Atlanta, 
and died in Andersonville Prison. D. R., who 
was Captain of the Fourth Ohio Infantry, is now 
a farmer in Hardin County. David B. .served in 
the Twenty-.second Peinisylvania Cavalry during 
the war. 

At the time of the outbreak of the Rebellion, 
our subject was pro.secuting his studies in an 
academy. Although only fifteen years old at the 
time, he promptly volunteered in Company I, 
Ninth Penn.sylvania Cavalry, and served for four 
years in defense of the Old Flag. He partici- 
pated in many of the most important battles of 
the war, including tho.se of Armington, Perryville, 
Chickamauga, Murfreesboro, and accompanied 
General Sherman on his memorable march from 
Atlanta to the .sea. In the battle of Warrensburg, 
Ga., he was wounded in the right shoulder. He 
served a period of three years and three months, 
and was discharged as Orderly-Sergeant at Sa- 
vannah, Ga. He re-enlisted in General Hancock's 
Veteran Army Corps and .served one year, being 
discharged at Elniira, N. Y., March 6, 1866. 
The entire period of his army service was four 
years and three months. 

Soon after the close of the war Mr. Timmons 
came to Ohio and was employed as bookkeeper 
in a steam flouring-mill at Pattenson, Hardin 
County. Later he embarked in the mercantile 
business in the same place, and continued to car- 
ry on an extensive and profitable trade until the 
fall of 1878, when he was elected Clerk of Hardin 
County. For the six ensuing years he held this 
responsible position. After retiring from the office 
he was engaged in the stave maiuifacturing and 
lumber business, and later opened a hardware 
store in Kenton. At present he is conducting an 
extensive grain business at Belle Center. 

During the period of his residence in Hardin 
County, Mr. Timmons has been one of its most 
influential and successful business men. Coming 
here without means, he has accumulated a fort- 
une through his untiring efforts, and now owns 
considerable valuable property in Kenton, includ- 
ing the Tinnnons Block. He also has four farms 
in Hardin County, embracing seven or eight hun- 
dred acres. In addition to this, he has extensive 



36o 



POKTRMT AXO BKKiHAl'H'CAL KKCORD. 



business interests in Chicago. His residence is 
one of the finest in Jventon and is situated on East 
Franklin Street. 

Socially Mr. Timmons has attained the Scot- 
tish Rite degree in Masonry, was the first Exalted 
Ruler of the Elks, and is a life member of the 
Grand Lodge. In politics he has always advo- 
cated Republican doctrines. His first marriage 
occurred in 1870, his wife being Miss Emma Mc- 
Vitt}', who died two years later, leaving a child, 
al.so deceased. September 4, 1879, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Hattie, daughter of \V. H. 
Seymour, and sister of J. B. Seymour, of whom 
more extended mention will be found elsewhere 
in this work. They have three bright and prom- 
ising childreTi, two sons, Fred S. and William 
Max, and a daughter, Dorothy, now seven years 
old. 



i^JEORGF- \V. keel was formerly engaged in 
|_ general farming and .stock-raising on his 
\J^ fine homestead, situated on section 15, Cess- 
na Township, Hardin County. He was a .self- 
made man, and rose to an honored place in the 
bu.siness and social world entirely by his own ster- 
ling (jualities of character. When his career was 
cut short by death, he had attained the ripe old 
age of eighty years, and many are the friends 
hereabouts who cherish his memory. His demise 
occurred March 26, iS9i,and he was l>uried in 
Fairview Cemetery. 

A son of Peter and Anna Keel, our subject was 
hfirn in Philadelphia, Pa., January i, 1811, and 
.spent his boyhood quietly on a farm, receiving a 
district-.school education. His home was for a 
time in Lancaster County, Pa., whence he moved 
to Cumberland County, in the .same state. In 
his youth he learned the miller's trade, l)ul never 
followed it to any extent. 

The first money earned by Mr. Keel was the 
result of a few weeks' work for a farmer, and he 
continued to l)e thus employed until 1856, when 
he made a trip to this neighborhood. He invest- 



ed his earnings in two hundred acres of land, situ- 
ated on sections 13 and 15, this township. The 
next year he removed his family here, and this 
has since been their home. W^ith the exception 
of thirty-eight acres which had been cleared, and 
a log cabin, there were no improvements on the 
farm, which was a tract of heavy timber. The 
greater portion of the land was cleared by Mr. 
Keel himself, and many other changes for the 
better were inaugurated by him. 

In Cumberland County, Pa., the marriage of 
Mr. Keel and Su.sannah Kyler was celebrated 
March 3, 1836. She was born in Franklin Coun- 
ty, Pa., October 31, 1816, and became the moth- 
er of twelve children. Those who have been 
called to the better land are; Thomas, William 
H., Su.san M., John C. and John D. Those liv- 
ing are: Loui.sa, Laura J., Mary E., Susan M., 
Barbara M., Hugh and Himes. 

Mr. Keel had only common-school advant- 
ages, but made the best of his meager opportu- 
nities, and through reading and contact with the 
world became a well-informed man on practical 
questions. His political allegiance was given to 
the Republican party. For years he was a val- 
ued worker in the Methodist Church, to which he 
belonged. His character was above reproach, and 
to his children he left the priceless heritage of an 
untarnished name. 



m>^^<m^ 



ilLLIAM DAVIS PATTERSON, who is 
now a resident of Ada, retired from active 
business, was engaged in farming until 
1889. He, however, still owns a valuable home- 
stead, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, 
one hundred of which are under cultivation, while 
the remainder is still covered with timljcr. For 
si,\ years he served as Justice of the Peace, and 
for a long period was a School Director. He was 
also honored with the offices of Constable and 
Notary Public .several terms, and at present is a 
mendjer of the Ada Board of Health. The Re- 



iX)RTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



361 



publican party has alwaj-s found in him a stanch 
supporter, and he has never failed to discharge 
his duties to his fellow-men. 

The parents of our subject were Samuel and 
Jane (Davis) Patterson, who were married in 
Harrison County, Ohio, March 11, iS.-^o. The 
father was born in County Down, Ireland, May 5, 
1807, and came to the United States with his fa- 
ther when only five years of age. After settling 
in Ohio he attended subscription schools for a few 
months, but obtained most of his education by 
private stud)-. Later he lived in Harrison Coun- 
ty, but in August, 1836, purchased two hundred 
and forty acres on section 19, Marion Township, 
Hardin County, where he resided until death. 
To his original homestead he added other land. 
Inlying forty acres in Auglaize Township, Allen 
County, and in 1854 became the owner of a lialf- 
secti(Mi in Marion Township. The following 
3'ear he made a will, giving to each of his two 
sons a quarter-section of land; the rest of the land 
he divided among the other heirs on the death of 
his wife. The property comprised six hundred 
acres at his demise, which occurred April 12, 
1874. He was a local preacher in the Methodist 
Ivpi.scopal Church until 1852, when he became a 
minister of the LTuited Brethren denomination. 
His father, Arthur Patterson, was born in Coun- 
ty Down about 1770, and was a Scotch-Irish 
Presbyterian. He followed the weaver's trade in 
his native land until 18 12, when he sailed from 
Belfast, and after a voyage of six weeks landed in 
New York. He at once proceeded to Pittsburg, 
residing there for two years, and then bought 
ninety acres of land near Cadiz, HarrLson County. 
His death was the result of an accident, while he 
was cutting down trees, about 1818. His wife, a 
Miss Catherine Sloan, also a native of Ireland, 
died in 1844. 

The mother of our subject was born in Harri- 
son County, Ohio, March 11, 1S12, being a daugh- 
ter of Sanuiel D. and Sarah (Blevin ) Davis, who 
were married in the Emerald Isle about 1800. 
Mr. Davis was born there about 17S0, and came 
to the United States in 1809. From New York 
City he went to Athens, buying eighty acres in 
that vicinity and living thereon until his death, 



which occurred when he was about fifty-five 
years of age. Mrs. Jane Patterson was reared to 
womanhood in the county of her birth, and after 
her marriage was a resident of this county until 
her death, June i, 1891. To herself and hus- 
band were born fourteen children, all but one of 
whom lived to maturity and reared families. 
They were as follows: William Davis; Catherine, 
widow of Benjamin Rutledge, now a resident of 
Ada; Sarah Jane, widow of John Wood, also liv- 
ing in this city; Margaret, deceased, formerly 
Mrs. James Preston ; Samuel, Jr., who died in 
1885; Elizabeth, wife ofjohn Conner, a farmer of 
Marion Township; Rebecca, deceased, formerly 
the wife of L. W. Ramsdill, of Auglaize Town- 
ship, Allen County; Mary, Mrs. Alexander Bow- 
die, deceased; Esther, twin of Mary, but now de- 
ceased, and formerly the wife ofjohn F. Rice; 
Jemima, Mrs. Wallace Runser, who.se husband is 
a farmer in Liberty Township; Joseph Ward, who 
died when two years of age; Nancy, wife of James 
Irwin, of Auglaize Township, Allen County; El- 
len, Mrs. Jasper Witham, of Marion Township; 
and Susannah, w'idow of James Black, and a resi- 
dent of Ada. The four eldest daughters were 
twice married, and the first husbands of each died 
while in the army. 

William D. Patterson was born near Hagers- 
town, Harrison County, May 5, 1831, and was 
only five years of age when his parents came to 
this county. He was reared in Marion Township, 
attending the country schools until twenty-three 
years old. At that time he secured a teacher's 
certificate and taught for four winters, working 
on farms in the summers. Soon after attaining 
his majority he began earning his own livelihood, 
and after his marriage was given a tract of one 
hundred and sixty acres by his father. He at 
once began to clear and improve the place, which 
he still owns, and which is one of the most desir- 
able to be found in the county. 

The first marriage of W. D. Patterson took 
place November 18, 1858, the lady of his choice 
being Mahala C, daughter of John and Effie 
(Hardestyj Branstitter, who were of Holland and 
Irish descent, respectively. Mrs. Patterson was 
born in Alien County, near Harrod, December 



362 



PORTRMT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



15, 1 84 1, and died December 20, 1877. Of her 
four children, two, John M. and Samuel H., died 
ill infancy: Flora M. died December 12, 1881; 
and the only one living is Mary Elizabeth, wife 
of James Houston, a farmer of Marion Township. 
January 2, 1889, our subject married Mrs. Lo- 
vina R. , widow of his brother Samuel, Jr. By her 
first marriage she had five children: Rebecca J., 
wife of Rev. H. A. Straub, of Pennsylvania; Mel- 
vinj., of Glenwood Springs, Colo.; Elizabeth E., 
a music teacher; and Mary G. and James W., 
who are in the Ada schools. Mrs. Patterson is 
the daughter of Jonathan and Rebecca (Donald- 
.son ) Mathews, who were married April 30, 
1831, in Richland County, Ohio. The father was 
born in Trumbull County, Ohio, December 4, 
1808, and is a son of I.saac Mathews, a native of 
Pennsylvania and a soldier in the War of 181 2, 
having belonged to an Ohio regiment. The lat- 
ter died in Hardin County in September, 1849, 
aged about .sixty-five years. His father in turn 
was a native of County Down, Ireland. Jona- 
than Mathews was reared in Columbiana County, 
and came to this county in 1834, entering a quar- 
ter-section of land, and at the time of his death, 
August 21, 1874, possessed two hundred and sev- 
enteen acres. His wife, Rebecca, born in Ohio 
County, W. Va., July 9, 1816, was reared in 
Richland County, Ohio. Her father was the 
only one in his family to escape from the Indians 
during a ma.ssacre which occurred at the time of 
the Revolutionary War. His father had .started 
down the Susquehanna River with his family in a 
boat for the fort, but stopj^ed to warn .some neigh- 
bors. As he did not return for quite a while, his 
wife sent her .son Andrew to see what was the 
matter. She and her otlier children were sur- 
prised by the Indians, and, after being carried a 
.short distance, were killed. Mrs. Patterson is one 
of .seven children, namely: Elizabeth, William R., 
Ph«x;beE., Joseph D., Melvin J. and Mary G. 
William, Joscpli and Melvin were all members of 
Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio 
Infantry, during the late war. Jo.seph was Sec- 
ond Lieutenant of the company, and in the battle 
of Maryland Heights, which took place after he 
had been on a forced march of three davs, he be- 



came ovehreated and nervously prostrated. The 
result of this was that the optic nerve was para- 
lyzed and he gradually lost his eyesight. Though 
he consulted the best oculist it was of no avail, and 
since 1885 he has been totally blind. 



<X:-H"M"i-»»»-i"i"H'j»^"i"t"H"H"5''i^'i"»'IX> 



IILLIAM McKIXLEY, an old settler in 
Jackson Township, has made his home on 
section 19 since 1862, occupying a tract of 
land which he improved from the brush. The 
tract compri.ses eighty acres, and from its cultiva- 
tion the owner reaps a comfortable competence. 

Mr. McKinley was born in Champaign Coun- 
ty, this state, November 28, 1832, to William 
and Mary (McKinley) McKinley. The father 
served as a soldier in the regular army and was 
stationed at Ft. Meigs, as was also his brother 
James, now deceased. While out with his com- 
rades scouting in that locality he met some of his 
wife's relatives, who were then residing in Miami 
County. William and Mary McKinley were 
married about 1818, and it is presumed that they 
were cousins, l^pon starting in life for him.self 
after his marriage, the father purchased one hun- 
dred acres of land in Champaign County, seven 
miles from the home of his wife's parents. As 
his means were very limited and he had not the 
ready money to pay for his land, he worked out 
by the day splitting rails in ortler to raise the 
necessary funds. 

Grandfather Michael McKinley came to Amer- 
ica from Scotland prior to the Revolutionarj- War, 
and made his home in Rus.sell County, Ky., be- 
coming one of the pioneers of the state. On the 
outbreak of the conflict which soon followed his 
arrival here, he served on the side of the Col- 
onists. 

The parents of Mrs. McKinley were well 
known in Champaign County, where her father 
died in 1844, aged fifty -six years. His widow 
after mauy years obtained a pension from the 
Government through the influence of Hon. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



365 



Israel Williams, of Hamilton. That gentleman, 
who was well known to the family, was reared on 
a farm oppo.site the home of the McKinlej-s and 
was one of the playmates of our subject in his 
boyliood days. Mrs. McKinley remained on the 
old homestead until within two years of her de- 
cease. She pas.sed away in 1887, at the residence 
of her daughter, Mrs. George White, of Miami 
Count)', at the age of eighty-seven years. They 
had nine children, all of whom attained mature 
years, and six of the family are now living. One 
sister married George M. Williams, father of 
Hon. Nelson Williams, of Hamilton. 

William McKinley of this sketch remained on 
the old farm until twent)'-five years old, having 
had full charge of the management of the estate 
for many >-ears. March 9, 1862, he came to 
Hardin County and purchased eighty acres of 
land, for which he paid $10 per acre. His tract 
was covered with brush and timber, and he, l)e- 
ing in poor health, found it uphill work to place 
it under cultivation. The climate, too, was un- 
healthy, and in addition to the nian\- other draw- 
backs he was unable to work for some time on 
account of sickness. All the settlers in that lo- 
cality desired to move elsewhere, but our subject, 
not being able to realize anything from his farm, 
remained, and has never regretted that he did 
not move. He gave his attention wholly to mixed 
farming, and after placing the land under im- 
provement found it to be rich and fertile. 

In politics our subject has always been a Re- 
publican and cast his first Presidential vote for 
John C. Fremont in 1856. He has been Town- 
ship Trustee altogether about fifteen years. A 
member of the County Agricultural Board, he is 
always actively interested in county fairs. 

William McKiidey and Miss I{li/.abeth Pence 
were married October 2, 1856. The lady was 
born August 24, 1S3S, in Champaign County, 
and is the daughter of Aaron and Rebecca ( Run- 
kle ) Pence, the former a native of Ohio, and the 
latter of Virginia, whence she was brought to this 
state when an infant by her parents. To our sub- 
ject and his wife there have been born the follow- 
ing children: Franklin Marion, who married 
Wilhelmina Vuess and lives on the farm ad- 



joining the old place; Aaron Pence, who married 
lilizabeth Flowers, and also makes his home in 
the vicinity of the old homestead; Mary Theresa, 
now Mrs. L. L. Oates, a resident of Pleasant 
Township, Hardin Counl\-; Maria Rebecca, now 
Mrs. E. W. Zinunerman, of W'yandi it County ; 
.Sarah Elnora, who married C. T. Zimmerman, 
of Wyandot Count},-; and Louennna, Arloand Will- 
iam Perry, at home. Ivarl, the twin of Arlo, is 
deceased. Our subject and wife are niend)ers in 
good standing of the Baptist Church. 



30HN C. PATTERSON, one of the esteemed 
citizens of Taylor Creek Township, Hardin 
Count\-, resides on .section 29, where he has 
a well improved homestead, from which he reaps 
a good harvest and a snug income each year, in 
reward for the untiring effort he expends. He 
takes conunendable interest in everything iier- 
taining to the upbuilding and growth of the 
community in which he dwells, and enjoys the 
respect an<l Iriendship (if a host of old-time 
friends. 

A son of William ami Maria (Brown) Patter- 
son, our subject, was l)orn March 26, 1832, near 
Belle Center, Eogan County, Ohio. His parents 
were natives of Pennsylvania, and his paternal 
grandfather, likewise a natix'e of that state, 
moved to Ohio about iSiS, settling" in Greene 
County. A year later he moved to Logan County, 
and in the vicinity of Belle Center he bought a 
quarter- section, on which he built a cabin, living 
therein until 1833, when he sold out. Then, 
going to Allen County, he purchased a quarter- 
section near Lima, and on the expiration of 
seven years he moved to Illinois, buying one 
hundred and sixty acres of military land at $1.25 
an acre, on which few improvements had been 
made. Here he passed his remaining days quietly. 

William Patterson helped to manage his father's 
farm until he was married, when he went to a 



366 



PORTRAIT AM) HIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



home he had bought in Rush Creek Township, 
Logan County. The land was wild, and a log 
cabin constituted about the only improvement, 
and even this was put up by Mr. Patterson. He 
stayed there only four years, when he moved to 
Allen County, where he resided over six years, 
and at last he settled permanently in Mason 
County, 111., on one hundred and sixty acres of 
prairie land. lie enlLsted in 1861, and after serv- 
ing aliout a year was taken sick and sent home, 
where he died in the summer of 1862. By his 
first wife he had seven children, viz.: Nancy, 
wife of Isaac McCarty, a resident of Ma.son 
Comity, 111.; John C; William, Levi and 
P'rancis, who died when young; and James and 
Mary, who died in infancy. The second marriage 
of Mr. Patterson was graced by three children: 
Joseph, Lucinda and Peter. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads, the boy- 
hood days of J. C. Patterson were spent. When 
he was in his fourteenth year he went to Warren 
County, Ind., and for .some fifteen years he 
worked for farmers in this county. July 4, 1863, 
he was elected Captain of Company D, First 
Regiment Ohio Volunteers, having previously 
served as a private, from April 23, 1861, until 
August 6, 1861, in Company B, Tenth Indiana 
Infantry. September 3, 1864, he again eidisted 
as a private, in Company A, One Hundred and 
liightythird Ohio Infantry, and was finally dis- 
charged, July 17, 1865, at Salisbury, N. C. He 
took part in several battles, and at Camp Denni- 
.son was taken sick and sent to Washington. 
During his services he marched all over North 
Carolina and suffered many of the privations that 
fall to the lot of the followers of Mars. 

On resuming private life Mr. Patterson rented 
a tract comprising six acres, in Lyini Township, 
and cultivated the place five years. His next 
venture was to buy fifty-two acres, on which stood 
a log cabin, and there he dwelt until 1885, when 
he erected a commodious residence. As a citizen 
he always does his .share toward public improve- 
ments, and has ser\'ed as School Director and 
Trustee. P'raternally he is a member of the 
Masonic, the Odd Fellows' and the Ihiion \'eter- 
ans' Union lodges at Kenton. In his political 



belief he is affiliated with the Republican party. 

December 24, 1863, Mr. Patterson was married, 
in Logan County, to Rebecca Howell, who was 
born October i, 1840, being a daughter of Henry 
and Mary (Tidd) Howell. To their union were 
born four children, two of whom died in infancy. 
Mabel, the eldest daughter, born October i, 1864, 
is married and has four children: Waldo Clyde, 
Stacy Guy, Scott F. and Clifton Clark. Leroy 
was born March 22, 1876. Mr. Patter.son and 
wife are members of the Di.sciples' Church and 
take great interest in all religious and charitable 
work. 



i;i.LIXGTON PERRY WINTER, M. D., 
is the jiopular and genial Postmaster of 
Caledonia, and was appointed to this posi- 
tion November 4, 1893. For years he has en- 
joyed an extensive and lucrative practice in this 
vicinity, and is considered one of the leading 
members of the medical fraternity of Marion 
County. In the local Democracy he is a man of 
influence and authority, having been honored with 
the position of Chairman of the County Democratic 
Central Committee for the year ending in Sep- 
tember, 1893. 

Dr. Winter's parents were Christ ojiher and 
Margaret (Legg) W'inter, natives of Washington 
County, Pa., and Licking County, Ohio, respect- 
ively. The father was brought up on a farm and 
emigrated to the Buckeye State in 1838, purchas- 
ing a homestead in Licking County, where he 
resided until his death, at the extreme old age of 
ninety-one years. His parents were born in 
Germany, and his fatlier was a pioneer settler in 
western Peiui.sylvania, settling on a "tomahawk" 
claim. Mrs. Margaret Winter died at the age of 
seventy-eight, in the faith of the Baptist Church. 
Her parents were born in Ireland, and were 
among the first settlers of Licking County, Ohio. 

The birth of our suliject occurred September 
C), 1S5S. in Licking County, Ohio, lie being next 



PORTRAIT AND HKJGRAPIIICAL RECORD. 



3^7 



to the youngest in a family of four children. Un- 
til he was eighteen years of age he lived on his 
father's farm, a portion of his time being devoted 
to the acquisition of an education in the schools 
of the neighborhood. Sub.sequently he entered 
Dennison l'niversit\-, at (Iranville, Ohio, Init 
prior to this he had taught four terms of schools. 
lie spent four years in the university, after which 
he took u]i the study of medicine under the su- 
jiervision of the late Dr. C. H. Stimson, of New- 
ark, Ohio. Two years later he entered the med- 
ical college at Cincinnati, and was duly graduated, 
March 3, 1879. 

On beginning his active professional career, 
Dr. Winter settled at Henning's Mill, Clermont 
Count\-, this .state, where he remained until 1882. 
h'or the next two years he practiced in l^icking 
Count)-, liut since 1884 has been a resident of 
Caledonia, where he has become well known and 
universally liked. After he had been engaged in 
practice about four years he abandoned the Phsy- 
co-Medical .system of his Alma Mater and adopted 
the Eclectic system, in which he is a firm be- 
liever. As a specialist in the treatment and cure 
of hemorrhoids, he has been ver}' successful. He 
is the inventor of a "Medical Compound" that 
has cured many cases, and the practice of this 
treatment is spreading throughout Marion Coun- 
ty and this .section of the .state. He is also the 
inventor of a special instrument used in the treat- 
ment of this disea.se. His jircsent success is a 
guaranty that his treatment is all that is claimed 
for it. 

December 20, 1S82, Dr. Winter married Mi.ss 
Jessie A. Pooler, of Union Cnunt\-, (.)hi(), :uid to 
them have been born a daui^hter and son, \'erna 
E;. aiul Averv P. 



I FAVIS MI{RRIMAN, who is without doubt 
jiL the wealthiest resident of Hardin Count)', is 
|_^ President of the Kenton Savings Bank and 
holds the same honorable position in the Home 
Savings Building and Loan Association. He was 



born in Bucyrus, Ohio, May 4, 1827, and is the 
son of Charles Merriman, a native of Penns\lva- 
nia. The latter was taken in earl\- life to New 
York State by his father, wlu) was a soldier in the 
Revolutionary War, serving a jK-riod of se\en 
>ears in that conflict. 

The father of Lewis Merriman was the young- 
est mend)er of a large famih-. In 1S19 lie came 
to Ohio, joining his brother Bishop, who was .1 
merchant in Annapolis. After a short sojourn 
there, he went to Buc_\'rus, where for three years 
he was in the enijilo)' of a Quaker, receiving $5 
per month. While there he dug the first well and 
the first cellar in that place. During the summer 
.seasons of the following three years he was em- 
ployed in cutting hay, which he sold fir $3 jK-r ton 
in the fall of the )'ear. In Februar_\-, 1S29, he 
went to Marseilles, Crawford County, and became 
proprietor of a hotel, which he conducted until 
1835. In the mean time, in partnership with 
Kthan Tei r\ , he o]>ened a store, but soon pur- 
cha.sed his partner's interest, and carried on the 
business until 1850, becoming very wealth \-. His 
death occurred in 1856. 

Mrs. Susan (Cary) Merriman, mother of our 
subject, was a nati\e of New Jersew Her father, 
Lewis Car\-, was one of the ver\' earliest .settlers 
of Crawford Countv, Ohio, where she met and 
married Mr. Merrinum. Ovu' subject was twen- 
ty-one months old when liis iiareiits remo\'ed 
to Marseilles, and in tliat place he was reared 
to manhood, meantime attending the conunon 
schools. In 1S511 he engaged in the mercantile 
business in .Marseilles, in compan>- with a Mr. 
Chesney, the latter investing $1,(100, and Mr. 
Merriman $;,ihi. Tlie>- prospered in their under- 
taking, and at the end of two years Mr. Merriman 
purchased his partner's interest in the business 
and continued alone until 1863, wlieu he took iiUo 
partner.ship a Mr. Kennedy. 

In April, 1864, Mr. Merrim.an openeil a store 
in Kenton in company with his l)rother-in-law, 
Anson Norton, and this connection contiiuied 
until Septendjer, 1866. During the years 1866 
and 1867 he erected the business block on the 
northwest corner of the square, ami in July of the 
latter year he and Mr. Norton liegan in business 



368 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in the new building. In 1877 our subject pur- 
chased Mr. Norton's interest and took his son, 
Charles C. Merrinian, into partnership, the firm 
continuing in the retail business until January', 
1880, when thej- became wholesale dealers in no- 
tions and men's furnishing goods. A remunera- 
tive and extensive trade was conducted until the 
death of the .son, March 22, 1S82, after which Mr. 
Merriman closed out the business. 

Although he was successful in the mercantile 
business, our subject has made the larger part of 
his fortune in his real-estate and other inve.st- 
ments, to which he has given his attention since 
retiring from the former. He owns a great deal 
of property in this and other counties of the state, 
including several farms in Hardin, Marion and 
Wyandot Counties, besides large landed interests 
in Indiana, Missouri and Kansas. He is propri- 
etor of the block in which the Kenton Savings 
Bank is situated, and owns the block of buildings 
in which he formerly conducted his mercantile 
business. The St. Nicholas Hotel, which is the 
largest house of its kind in the cit)-, is his prop- 
erty, besides much other \aluable real estate 
within the city limits. 

Early in the '70s Mr. Merriman became inter- 
e.sted in the banking business, purchasing, with 
other prominent men of the city, a bank which 
had been organized some time before, changing 
its name to the Kenton Savings Bank. He was 
elected President, and has served in that capacitj- 
about twenty years. He was also prominent in 
the organization of the Home Savings, Building 
and Loan Association, of which he is likewise the 
head. A.side from these institutions he is inter- 
ested in several manufacturing and stock com- 
panies of Kenton, and has never let an opportu- 
nity go by when he could, by giving of his means 
or advice, aid in the upbuilding of his community. 

The lady to whom our subject was married, 
February 8, 1850, was Miss Rebecca Hooker. 
They became the parents of three daughters and 
two sons. Charles C. is decea.sed. Adelbert G. 
is at home. Luella is the wife of F. C. Dough- 
erty, one of the leading attorneys of Kenton. 
Clara is next in order of birth; and Belle married 
D. T. Robey. The latter was formerly a promi- 



nent business man of this place, but died in Colo- 
rado, while there for his health. Mrs. Robey now 
lives with her parents. 

Mr. Merriman and his family occupy one of the 
finest residences in Kenton. It is furnished in a 
manner which indicates its inmates to be people 
of refined tastes, with abundant means at their 
command, and they number among their friends 
the best people in the county. In politics our 
subject is a stanch Republican, having supported 
his party since its organization. Mrs. Merriman 
is a member of the Presbvlerian Church. 



(iKRHMIAH KKLSIIKR, who has been num- 
I bercd among the influential agriculturists of 
(2/ Washington Township for the past twenty- 
three years, makes his home on section 32, where 
he owns a well improved farm. He is one of the 
boys who wore the blue during the late Civil 
War, and is now a member of the Grand Army 
of the Rei)ublic. 

The parents of Mr. Krisher were John ami 
Mary Christine (Campbell) Krisher, both natives 
of Pennsylvania. They were married in that 
state and became the parents of twelve children, 
namely: William, Bet.sey A., Rudolph, Jere- 
miah, Sarah, Nancy, Lemuel, Delilah, Lambert, 
Huldah, Allen and Alferetta. Lemuel was a 
Lieutenant in the Sixth Ohio Light Artillery for 
four years and four months. 

Jeremiah' Krisher is a native of Cumberland 
County, Pa., and was born near Hagerstown, 
November 13, 1832. His boyhood days were 
spent in the usual manner of farmer lads of that 
period. In 1832 he moved to Richland County, 
Ohio, where he grew to man's estate, and the first 
independent effort of the young man was as a 
farmer, working by the month at a small salary. 
In 1853 he went to Wyaiulot County, and oper- 
ated a farm up to 1872, in which year he pur- 




).\.Mi;S M. I'.Akl.R. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



37' 



chased a homestead of fortj'-three acres, his pres- 
ent farm, and since then has been engaged in its 
cultivation. 

May 2, 1S64, Mr. Krisher enhsted in the hun- 
dred-days .service as a private in the One Hundred 
and Forty-fourth Ohio Infantry, and participated 
in the battle of Monocacy, Md. vSeptember 30 
following he l)ecame a member of the Sixth Ohio 
Light Artillerx-, being mustered into the service 
at Columbus, and from there was sent to Chatta- 
nooga. His first engagement was at Columbia, 
after which he took part in the battles of .Spring 
Hill, Franklin and Nashville. He was in the 
hospital about four months, and received his final 
discharge June 12, 1S65. Politically lie is a 
stanch Rcpulilican. 

Augu.st 21, i<856, occurred the marriage of Mr. 
Krisher and Elnia Pool, ilaughter of Alexander 
and Phct'be H. Pool. She was born May 13, 1836, 
and has the following children: Allen, who is 
living in Paulding County, Ohio; Milton, a farm- 
er of Cessna Township; Jennie E., wife of Dr. J. 
Sager, of Salina, Ohio; and Gertrude, wife of 
M. E. Loutzenhiser, a farmer of Liberty Town- 
ship. Mrs. Krisher, a most e.stimal)le lady, is a 
member of the Methodist Church. 



-1;^ 



^^;- 



3 AMES M. BAKER. One of the valuable 
farms of Goshen Townshi]) is located on sec- 
tion 7, and is owned and occupied by the 
subject of this sketch. It is conveniently located 
si.K and one-half miles northeast of Kenton, and 
on it are a conunodious residence, necessary build- 
ings, and farm machinery of improved designs. 

Mr. Baker was born in Brooke County, W. Va., 
October 19, 1824, and is the son of Morris and 
Mary (Campbell) Baker, representatives of old 
and prominent families of the above state. When 
twelve years of age James M. came to Hardin 
County with his parents. A family by the name 
of Jones, from the same neighborhood in West 
Virginia, also came with them. They located in 



Go.shen Town.ship, one mile east of where our 
sul)ject now lives, and there the father entered a 
quarter-section of land from the Government, 
making it his home until his decease, at the age 
of eighty years. His wife had passed away be- 
fore him, when in her sixtieth year. They were 
among the earliest residents of the community, 
and together worked to establish a good home 
for themselves and children. 

I'ive of the seven members of the parental fam- 
ily' are now living. Those besides our subject 
are Fannie J., who married John Simms, of this 
township; Rachael, now Mrs, G. W. Armstrong; 
William, who lives in Adams Countj', Neb.; and 
Nathan, of Marion County. James M. was twen- 
ty-three years old when he started out in life for 
himself. His first purclia.se of land consisted of 
seventy-one acres, for which he paid $300. He 
was married, January 9, 1S51, to Miss Susamiah 
Scott, of Wyandot County, and the young couple 
at once settled on this farm, determining to accu- 
mulate for them.selves a competence. That they 
were successful is made evident when we state 
that at one time our subject was the pos.ses.sor of 
six hundred acres of land. He now, however, 
has only ninety-five acres, the remainder having 
been divided among his children, who are farm- 
ing in this locality. In addition to raising the 
usual amount of grain, he paid a great deal of at- 
tention to breeding fine grades of stock, which 
bu.siness he found to be a very paying one. 

The family belonging to our subject and his 
wife is composed of the following children: Ches- 
ter J., operating a farm in Pleasant Township; 
Matthew A., living in Kenton; Mary Elvira, who 
married Marshall Miller, a farmer of Pleasant 
Township; Guern.sey Marshall, who is farming 
in Goshen Township; Sarah Jane, the wife of 
James Graffiniller, of Jackson Township; and 
Eva Rodella, who married Henry Hommel, and 
is now living on a tract of land adjoining the old 
homestead, in which vicinity Thomas Robin.son 
also lives. The mother of this family died Octo- 
ber II, 1891, aged sixty years, firm in the faith 
of the Presl)yteriaii Church. Our sul>ject is a 
member of the Methodist Church. 

Ai)ril 16, 1895, Mr. Baker married for his .sec- 



372 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ond wife Miss Rose Schorer, daughter of Rudolph 
Schorer, both residents of Kenton. Politically 
our subject votes in favor of the Democracj-. He 
has ser\-ed acceptably as Trustee, but has not 
otherwise been interested in township affairs. 
Reliable in citizen.ship, kindly and considerate in 
neighborly associations, and honorable in his 
dealings, he is held in respect by his fellow-men, 
while as an agriculturist he always stood above 
par. 



-^ 



n ACOB HOWvSER was one of the wealthy and 
I extensive land-owners of Marion County, his 
(2/ home being on section 28, Claridon Town- 
ship. At the time of his death his estate com- 
prised about nine luuidred acres of well cultivated 
and valuable land. He made a specialty of rais- 
ing fine blooded cattle and hor.ses of high grade, 
and was a very successful and practical business 
man. When death called him from his labors 
his loss was felt to be a public one, and his old 
friends and neighbors sincerely mourned his de- 
parture. 

A native of Kentucky, Mr. Ilowser was born 
in Mason County, January 28, 1814, and was a 
son of Jacob and Sarah (Loveless) How.ser, the 
former a native of Marjland and of German de- 
scent. They were the parents of nine children, 
six sons and three daughters. Our subject re- 
mained on his father's farm until reaching matur- 
ity, and when eight years of age, or in 1822, went 
with them to Cadiz, Oliio. From there he re- 
moved to a farm near Stillwater, and wlien seven- 
teen years of age began working for neigjibors by 
the month. He continued in this business for 
four years, and finally, about 1842, emigrated to 
Belmont County, where he rented land for ten 
years. At the end of that time he moved to this 
county by team, and then first took up his resi- 
dence in Claridon Town.sliip. 

For a year after coming here Mr. Howser rent- 
ed a farm, after which he purchased three hun- 



dred and forty acres, partly improved. He con- 
tinued to cultivate and develop this farm up to 
1883, when he moved to the place where his 
widow now resides. He was called to the home 
beyond October 19, 1894, being then in his 
eighty-first year. He was a faithful member of 
the United Presbyterian Church, and supported 
various religious and benevolent enterprises. In 
politics he was originally a Whig, and after\vard 
became identified with the Republican party. 

March 10, 1842, Jacob Howser wedded Eliza- 
beth Smith, who was born in Jefferson County, 
Va., January 12, 1822. Eleven children were 
born of this union, namely: John H., James H., 
Sarah M., William E., Andrew H., Amanda, 
Benjamin R., Loring C, Florence E. , Isabella 
and Dollie. Loring and Dollie are decea.sed. Mrs. 
How.ser is .still living on the old homestead and 
has the general supervision of its management. 
She was a worthy helpmate to her husband, and 
with her womanly cheerfulness and courage as- 
sisted him when he was beset with difficulties. 
She is an active and devoted member of the Free- 
will Baptist Church. 



•ii^ 



•f#^#-r 



(TOHN McDonald. Success in business is 
I due, in every iiLstance, to energy, persever- 
(2/ ance and judicious management, and the 
pro.sperity which Mr. McDonald enjoys is the 
direct result of these qualities. Since 1873 he 
has been numbered among the business men of 
Mt. \'ictory. In that year he became interested 
in the old-established general mercantile business 
of M.S. lUder, and this they carried on jointly 
until the death of the senior partner, which oc- 
curred August I, 1884. The building which he 
owns and occupies is a substantial brick structure, 
situated in the business center of the village, and 
stocked with a complete assortment of goods. 

The subject of this .sketch was born in 
Logan County, Ohio, August 10, 1848, and is 
next to the youngest of eight children, comprising 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



373 



the family of George and Margaret ( McCrarj' ) 
McDonald. His father was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, but was brought by his parents to Logan 
County, Ohio, in early childliood, and in 1859 
moved to Hale Township, Hardin County, and 
there continued to reside until his death, which 
occurred after passing the seventy-first anniver- 
sary of his bijth. He was a farmer bj^ occupation, 
and met witl'r success in his enterprises. An in- 
dustrious, self-respecting man, he had the esteem 
and confidence of the community in which he 
lived, and his character was above reproach. He 
was a Republican in politics, and on this ticket 
he was elected Justice of the Peace. 

During the Civil War George McDonald served 
for one year as a private in Company D, Fifty- 
sixth Ohio Infantry. He was an active member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church and generous 
in his contributions to it. His wife, who, like 
himself, was of Scotch extraction, was born in 
Logan Count}', Ohio, and died at Mt. Victor)', 
at seventy -three years of age. She was a devoted 
church member and worshiped with the Method- 
ist congregation near her home. 

Though trained to farm pursuits, our suly'ect, 
upon leaving home, apprenticed him.self to learn 
the trade of a carpenter. He worked at this oc- 
cupation about five years, and then abandoned it 
to embark in the mercantile bu.siness. In 1873, 
as above stated, he was taken into partnership 
with M.S. Elder, v'^ince that time, with the ex- 
ception of three jears, he has engaged in mer- 
chandising in Mt. Victory. As a matter of 
course, he is well known throughout this section of 
country, and is recognized as one of the leading 
businessmen of the county. In 1886 he sold his 
dry-goods store and purchased an interest in the 
Mt. Victor Mills, of which he was made 
manager, remaining in that capacity till 1891, 
then disposing of his interest in order t(j re-enter 
the mercantile busine.ss. In addition to other 
interests he is the owner of forty acres in this 
county. 

December 5, 1872, Mr. McDonald married 
Miss Clara B. Elder, and they are the parents of 
six children, namely: Myrtle, Guy Elder. Bertha, 
Blanche, Nellie and Bessie (twins). The latter 



died in infancy. In politics Mr. McDonald is a 
Republican, and socially belongs to Latham 
Lodge No. 154, F. & A. M., at Kenton; the 
Commander},- at Marion, and the Odd Fellows' 
lodge at Mt. Victory. He and his wife are mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 






N EATON JACKSON, a prominent and hon- 
ored citizen of Cessna Township, Hardin 
Count}', has owned and operated his home- 
stead on section 8 for over forty years. During 
this period he has been a witness of vast changes 
in what was then almost a wilderness, and has 
himself been a factor in bringing about the pres- 
ent condition of prosperity. 

The birth of our subject occurred in Loudoun 
County, Va., April 21, 1827. His parents, John 
and Mary ( Huff) Jackson, were natives of Vir- 
ginia and Pennsylvania, respectively. They had 
six children, four .sons and two daughters, of 
whom our subject is the third in order of birth. 
The father died when Heaton was only seven 
years old, and the mother passed away about a 
year later. Thus orphaned, the poor lad was 
obliged to go to the home of strangers and work 
his own way thenceforth. ITntil he attained his 
majority he received little besides his board and 
clothes. 

In the fall of 1848 Mr. Jackson came to Ohio 
and was employed at various things in Spring- 
field and vicinity up to 1852. It was in the time 
of late harvesting that he first beheld this beau- 
iul stretch of country, with its rich promises for 
the future, and he wisely decided to make his 
abiding-place here. For the first two years he 
rented land, thus getting a good start, and then 
invested what money he could raise in the farm 
on which he has lived ever since. The only at- 
tempt that had been made to improve the farm, 
covered as it was with forests, was a small patch 
of cleared land, on which stood a partly finished 
log cabin. This humble dwelling was the home 



374 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of the owner for many years, but in 1873 it gave 
place to a substantial and convenient residence. 
Mr. Jackson hewed away the timber, using ox- 
teams to haul the logs. 

October 5, 1852, our subject was united in 
marriage with Elizabeth Hause, and seven chil- 
dren graced their marriage. They were named 
as follows: Harriet E., Elizabeth R., Martha, 
William O., John, Phabe E. and Milton H. 
The mother departed this life in 1870. April 2, 
1872, Mr. Jackson married Mary A. Wa\-, and 
their two little ones died in infancy. 

October 12, 1864, Mr, Jackson enlisted as a 
private in Company K, One Hundred and Eight- 
ieth Ohio Volunteers. His first engagement was 
at Nashville, Tenn., after which he was a partici- 
pant in the battle of Kingston and others of less 
note. His final discharge was granted him in 
July, 1865. In politics he is a Democrat, and 
though he has not sought office has acceptably 
filled the positions of Trustee, School Director and 
Supervisor. He is ever in favor of giving the 
young the best possible educational privileges, 
for he knows bj' experience the value of practical 
fitting for life's duties. In his own case he at- 
tended the old-time subscription schools, in a log 
house two miles from his home, and even this 
much did not fall to his lot until he was fourteen 
years old. As the result of his army life and the 
privations and exposure incident thereto he lost 
the use of his eyes in 1892, up to which time he 
was an earnest worker in the Methodist Church. 
to which he belongs. 



nOHX \V I-MNX. This respected agricult- 
I urist of Hardin County has been engaged for 
Qj many years in carr>-ing on a fine estate lo- 
cated in Lynn Township. He has been enter- 
prising and industrious, and through the exercise 
of these qualities has succeeded in making ample 
provision for the wants of his family, and has also 



laid aside a certain proportion of his income, so 
that he is now enabled to live in ease and com- 
fort, retired from active work of any kind. 

Our subject was born at Berkeley Springs, W. 
Va., May 21, 1823, and is the sixth in order of 
birth of the family of John and Marj- (Smith) 
Flinn. The grandfather, Alexander Flinn, was 
a nati\'e of Delaware, and during the Revolution- 
ary War .served on the side of the Colonists for 
seven years. 

John W. Flinn was born on a farm, but as 
soon as old enough to earn his own living began 
teaming. During early manhood he was cho.sen 
Deputy Sheriff of Morgan County, W. Va., serv- 
ing from 1844 to 1846. March 30 of the last- 
named j-ear he was married to Margaret Alder- 
ton, who died nine months later and was buried 
in Morgan County. Wishing to see more of the 
country, our subject traveled about from place 
to place, vi.siting points in his native state, Mary- 
land, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and 
Kentucky. He clerked in a store in Scioto 
County, Ohio, for eighteen months, after which 
he removed to Pickaway County, where he was 
married, December 16, 1849, to Miss Eliza Ann 
Hender.son. The succeeding five years were spent 
in farming in that county, where he raised im- 
mense crops of broom corn, ^rrs. ElizaA. Flinn 
departed this life September 31, 1853, and was 
buried in Pickaway County. 

In 1855 Mr. Flinn came to Hardin County, and 
for some time farmed on rented land lying in Mc- 
Donald Township. July 16, 1S54, he had been 
married to Catherine, daughter of John and Mary 
(Miller) Fultz, who located in the above town- 
ship sixty years ago. They are both now de- 
ceased, the father passing away in 1867, and Mrs. 
Fultz dying in 1S4S. 

Of the children born to the union of Miss Fultz 
and our subject, we mention the following: Jo- 
sephine \'., born November 6, 1S55, niarried 
Nathan D. Bailey, August 31, 1871, and died 
July 28, 18S2; William P. was born Jaiuiary 17, 
1857, and died July 8, 1886; Myron D. was born 
June 22, 1858, and is now car inspector for the 
Toledo & Ohio Central Railway Company, whose 
shops are located at Kenton, this state; Louis N. 



rOKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIIICAL RECORD. 



375 



was Ijorn Fehniary 9, iSTir, and is now farming 
in Lynn Townslii]); I<"ernclta S. , who was born 
September 15, iSfo, married John I'". Kissling, a 
farmer of McDonahl Townslii]!, Hardin County; 
Sadie, who was horn .\ngusl iS, 1.S64, is unmar- 
ried and living in Kenton; Mar\- M., born Aii- 
gu-st 3, 1866, married IIenr\- liradley, a well-to- 
do agriculturist of Lynn Township; Joseph W. was 
born July 2^,, iS6,S; John W. T. was born I'V-b- 
ruary 27, 1.S71), and lives in iliis townslii]); Cath- 
erine K. was born December iCi, 1S71; and Syl- 
vester O., January 4, 1S74. Jo.sejjh W. was for 
some time in the employ of the vSalem Wire Nail 
Company of Findlay, this state, and has also had 
.some experience in railroading. 

There are only three of the old residents now 
living who were among the early .settlers of Lynn 
Township when our subject located here. His 
fir.st work was to build a cabin for his family, aft- 
er which he began the arduous task of clearing 
the forest and jilacing the primitive soil under 
cultivation. 

November 16, 1861, soon after the outbreak of 
the late war, our .subject enlisted as a member of 
Company B, Eighty-second Ohio Infantry, being 
mu.stered in at Kenton. The command first went 
into cam]) south of the city, where they remained 
until the following January. They were then or- 
dered out, and went to Grafton, W. \'a., thence 
moving on to Moorefield, on the .south branch of 
the Potomac. In May, 1862, occurred the fir.st 
engagement in which he participated, the battle 
of McDowell. At Winchester Mr. I'liiin was 
taken seriously ill and was sent to Ft. McHenry, 
arriving thereon the Stli of Jnlw He remained 
in the hosjiital until .\ugust 16, when he wasdis- 
charged and came home. When fullj' recovered 
from his sickness he re enli.sted, in Sejitember, 
1864, and was mustered into Company H, One 
Hundred and Seventy-ninth Ohio Infantry, and 
with his regiment went to Cam]) Chase and from 
tliere to Na.shville, l)eing in the reserve force on 
the i5tli and 1 6th of December, 1864. After this 
his company did garrison duty until mustered out, 
June 17, 1865. 

On receiving his di.scliarge, Mr. Fliiin lost no 
time in making his wav back to his wife and fam- 



ily in H.irdin Count)'. This time, however, he 
found it no easy matter to regain his lost health, 
as for three years he was an invalid, and even at 
the j)resent time he is not a strong man. He has 
taken a \'ery acti\e ])art in the de\eIo])ment of 
his ado])ted county , and is in SNiniiatliy with all 
jn'ogre.ssive measures. C.eiiial in manlier, hon- 
orable in all his dealings, and kind to those in 
distress, he is wortIi\' of the confidence and es- 
teem of his associates. He is a Democrat in \xA\- 
tics, and on this ticket has served as Trustee of 
Iiis townslii]), and for a number of years was a 
member of the Board of Ivducation. 

Bolli Mr. and Mrs. Flinn are members of the 
Church of Christ at Kenton, with whicli they 
lia\'e Ijeeii connected since 1857. On the i6tli of 
July, 1894, they celebrated the fortieth anniver- 
sary of tlieir marriage. On this occasion one 
hundred and fifty people were ])re.sent at their 
home, conspicuous among whom were nearly all 
the members of "Pap" Tliomas Commandery No. 
14, U. V. U. 



\®^W 



PHRAIM ?;. SMITH, an enterprising and 
^ pnjsjierous business man of Hei)burii, holds 
^ the responsible position of manager of the 
elevator of this place, which is owned by the 
M. E. Burke Milling Comiianw He is a man of 
push, and be.sides owning an interest in the eleva- 
tor, has stock in four mills located in other ])arts 
of this and Marion Counties. To him is given 
the credit of e.stablishing the elevator at this ]ilace, 
for it was under his in.structious and guidance 
that it was erected in 1891. He socjii thereafter 
.sold stock in the enterpri.se, when it was organ- 
ized as the M. E. Burke Milling Comi)aiiy. 

Our .subject is a native of this county, and was 
born January ig, 1846, to Nathan and Mary K. 
(McLean) Smith, natives of Muskingum County, 
this state. The former was the son of Ivdward 
and Jane (Shafer) Smith, natives of \'irginia. 
The grandfather, after attaining man's estate. 



376 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



came to Ohio, and became the owner of the land 
now occupied by the city of Zanesville. He was 
one of the most prosperous agriculturists in the 
locality, and contributed liberally of his means 
toward the furtherance of all good measures. 
The maternal grandparents of our subject were 
Ephraim C. and Nancy (Craig) McLean, natives 
of Pennsylvania. Grandfather McLean came to 
Ohio in 1825, and was at that time one of the 
first to make a location near Zanesville. He made 
his home in that locality until 1842, when he 
made his advent into Hardin County, and lived 
here until his decease, several years thereafter. 

Ephraim C. McLean was an influential member 
of this conununity, and very popular with rich 
and poor. For se\enteen years he discharged ac- 
ceptably the duties of Justice of the Peace, and 
for two terms was County Commissioner. 

Our subject remained on his father's farm for 
the first seventeen years of his life, and when he 
left home, in August, 1863, it was to enter the 
ser\'ice of his country. He enlisted as a member 
of Company I, Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantrj-, and 
fought faithfully and well until the close of hos- 
tilities. He participated during that long period 
in many of the noted battles of the war, among 
them being that of Nashville. He was mustered 
out without ever having been wounded or taken 
prisoner. 

On his return home from the war, young Smith 
remained with his parents for a time and then 
went West, .spending two years. On again com- 
ing to Hardin County, he engaged in farming for 
one year, after which he established in the mer- 
cantile business at Larue, and for four years was 
the jiroprietor of a thriving business. At the 
end of that time he returned to this locality and 
invested his surplus capital in a farm in Dudley 
Township. This he occupied for a period of 
eight years, and then bought another tract, lying 
in the same township, on which he now resides. 
He also owns a tract of one hundred acres in the 
state of Washington. 

As before .stated, Mr. Smith l)uilt the elevator 
at Hepburn in 1891, and since its organization as 
a stock company has an interest in the same and 
is its general manager. This corporation owns 



mills in four other places, in which Mr. Smith is 
also interested. In addition to this enterprise he 
is carrying on a good livery business at Hepburn, 
where he erected large stables in 1S92. 

Jaiuiary i, 1871, Ephraim E. Smith was united 
in marriage with Miss Mary J. Outland, of this 
county, and to them have been born two children, 
Warren H. and Jennie C. The son gives his at- 
tention to superintending the operation of his 
father's farm, on which the family resides, and 
which is one of the most valuable pieces of prop- 
erty in Hardin County. Politically our subject 
is a stanch supporter of Republican principles. 
Socially he belongs to Hopkins Lodge No. 619, 
K. of P., at Heburn, and Latham Lodge No. 154, 
F. & A. M., at Kenton, in which latter place he 
meets with the chapter. He is al.so connected 
with Cantwell Post, G. A. R., at Kenton. He 
is a man of sterling worth and strict integrity, 
and in every way possible manifests his interest 
in the welfare and progress of his community. 



GlNDREW HIGHSLIP was for many years 
I 1 previous to his death a respected citizen of 
/ I Cessna Township, Hardin County. He was 
one of the early settlers of this section, having re- 
moved hither from New York, the state of his 
nativity, about 1836. P'rom that time until his 
demi.se he was active in promoting the develop- 
ment and welfare of his home neighborhood. His 
birth occurred January 28, 1825, and his boy- 
hood was spent on the farm. When he was 
eleven years old he made the trip westward with 
the family, in a wagon drawn by one horse. For 
a short time they lived in Pleasant Township, 
but soon purchased eighty acres in this township, 
the tract being wild land. When the youth had 
grown to man's estate he started forth to make 
his way in the world. At first he operated a farm 
comprising forty acres in Washington Township, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



377 



and a few years later bought the homestead now 
owned by his widow. The original eighty acres 
were added to, until, at the time of his death, the 
place contained two hundred and sixty acres, all 
in one body. The forests were cleared away and 
fertile fields took their place, under the industri- 
ous care and toil of the proprietor. The one- room 
log cabin was supplanted by a comfortable brick 
farm house, and many other important changes 
came aliout. 

In 1848 Mr. Highslip married Sarah Ann Lee, 
by whom he had six children, viz.: George, Fran- 
cis, Rose, Andrew, John and Phoebe. October 
13, 1864, the union of our subject and Elizabeth 
Wagner was celebrated. She was born in Switz- 
erland, January 5, 1842, and is a daughter of 
John and Barbara ( Borne) Wagner. The fam- 
ily came to the United States in 1853, in a sail- 
ing-vessel, the voyage taking thirty-nine days. 
The Wagner family proceeded from New York 
to Fairfield County, Ohio, and subsequently re- 
moved to this region. 

Eight children blessed the marriage of Mr. 
Highslip and his wife, Elizabeth: Ida; William 
H., Edward and Clara Melis.sa, deceased; and 
Charles, Emma, Mary and Earl. The faithful 
husband and kind father was called to his final 
rest August 21, 1883, and his remains were in- 
terred in Eccarius Cemetery. 

Politically Mr. Highslip was a Democrat. He 
was in no sense an office-seeker, and preferred to 
devote his time entirely to agricultural affairs, 
thdugh In- did not neglect the duties devolving 
upon him as a citizen. 



^i#^il-^i"i^liE^i 



HAZARD H. WII.SOX, a progressive farmer 
of Cessna Township, Hardin County, is one 
of her most respected citizens. Altogether 
he owns two hundreil and fifty acres of desirable 
land in this count)-, the result of his years of 
well directed energy and good bu.siness ability. 



He was Trustee of Washington Township for 
thirteen years, was also Justice of the Peace, and 
in 1875 was elected County Commissioner, act- 
ing as such for three years in connection with 
J. R. Dunlap and John McElrea. 

Mr. Wilson was born in Logan County, Ohio, 
near Bellefontaine, January 13, 1828. He is a 
grand.son of John Wilson, a nati\'e of Ireland, 
and a sun of James Wilson, who was born in Lan- 
caster Counts-, Pa., in April, 1792. Tlie latter 
moved to Ross County, Ohio, about [808, with 
his parents, tlie journey being made in wagons. 
He enlisted in the War of 18 12, from Ross Coun- 
ty, and was obliged to surrender with Hull's 
army at Detroit. He returned home and began 
learning the carpenter's and cooijcr's trades. 
About 1825 he moved to Logan County, I)uying 
one hundred acres of military land. It was covered 
with thick forest trees, which were partially cut 
down by the owner during his nine-years .stay 
there. In the winter of 1834 he came to Hardin 
County and bought one hundred and twenty acres 
of land in Taylor Creek Township. This prop- 
erty, also granted for military service, was, like 
the other, a timber tract. Mr. Wilson erected a 
one-room log cabin and lived therein until 1840. 
His last years were spent in McDonald Town- 
ship, and at his death he was buried in Round- 
head Cemetery. On political questions he was 
a Democrat. He was married, in 1820, to Melinda 
Hopkins, a native of Kentucky, who died in 
June, 1838. 

II. H. Wilson was brought up on a farm and 
li\-ed w-ith his father until reaching his majority. 
From him he learned the cooper's trade, and to 
that business while living in Marion Township 
he gave mo.st of his time until 1855. Two years 
before that, however, he had bouglit one hundred 
and twenty acres in Washington Township, on 
.section 31. To this place he later removed, and, 
putting up a small frame house, began to develop 
and clear the timber away. For this purpo.se 
ox-teams were used, and steadily, year by year, 
the trees fell before the axe of the sturdy woods- 
man at the rate of about ten acres a year. Mr. 
Wilson still owns the farm, on which he con- 
tinued 111 live until i<S8y, although he has since 



378 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



made his home on section 6, Cessna Townsliip, 
on a farm comprising ninety-one acres. 

November ii, 1851, Mr. Wil-son married Miss 
Mary J., daughter of Asa Cooney. Owen P., 
tlieir only son, a civil engineer and County Sur- 
vej-or, lives in Kenton. Eliza, the daughter, is 
the wife of John G. Park, wlio holds a chair at 
Ada (Ohio) College. 

Such education as fell to the lot of our subject 
in his boyhood was obtained in the primitive 
schools of the day, the first school he attended 
being in Taylor Creek Town.ship, a mile and a- 
half from his home. Socially he is a member of 
the Sons of Temperance. A pillar in tlie Meth- 
odi.st Church, he is always ready to aid in relig- 
ious and benevolent enterprises, and strives to 
make his life in harmony with the Golden Rule. 
Like his father before him, he u.ses his ballot in 
favor of the Democrac}'. 



GIDAM W. GERLACH. Pleasant Township, 
Ll Hardin County, is a rich agricultural center, 
I 1 and the men who conduct its farming inter- 
ests are enterprising, self-reliant and shrewd. 
Among these Mr. Gerlach occupies a position of 
influence, being the owner of a valuable farm on 
section 14. The land is principally under culti- 
vation, but eighteen acres are in timber and a 
small tract in grass. He rai.ses hay, corn, oats 
and wheat, and also devotes .some attention to 
the breeding of fine stock, having a large inuiiber 
of .sheep, hogs and cattle of good grade. 

Within a-half mile of his present place of resi- 
dence, Mr. Gerlach was born, Augu.st 22, 1848, 
being a son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Arn) 
Gerlach. Upon the home farm he spent the 
years of l)oy hood and youth, and while gaining 
a good knowledge of farm work also conducted 
his studies in the neighl)oring district .school. He 
remained at home until twenty-five years of age, 
but after attaining his majority his father paid 
him for his services in the cultivation of the es- 
tate. Saving his earnings, he was enal)led, at 



the age of twenty-four years, to purchase sixty 
acres of partly improved land on section 15, but 
this he sold one j-ear later. His next purchase 
was one hiuidred acres, comprising a portion of 
his pre.sent homestead. To his original purchase 
he has since added forty acres, and at different 
times he has erected buildings for the storage of 
machinery and the shelter of stock. The farm 
re.sidence has been remodeled and enlarged, and 
is now a cosey and comfortable al)ode. The out- 
buildings are also substantial, and adapted to 
their varied purpo.ses. The barn first erected was 
burned, and afterward another was built, larger 
and more conveniently arranged than the former. 

March 22, 1872, occurred the marriage of Mr. 
Gerlach to Miss Maggie Ramge, who was born 
in Plea.sant Town.ship, December 3, 1848. Her 
father, George Ramge, was born in Hesse-Darm- 
stadt, Germany, and emigrated thence to Amer- 
ica, settling in Hardin County, Ohio, where he 
married Miss Elizabeth Pfeifer. Their children 
were four in number, namely: Anthony, who re 
sides two miles .southwe.st of Kenton, in Buck 
Township, Hardin County; Elizabeth, wife of 
William Schiudewolf, who lives on the Round- 
head Pike, five miles .southwest of Kenton; Mag- 
gie, wife of Mr. Gerlach; and George, who re- 
mains on the farm where he and the other chil- 
dren were born. 

Upon the old homestead Mrs. Gerlach .spent 
the days of girlhood, and until thirteen years old 
attended the Greenleaf district .school. Later she 
was a pupil in the Lutheran parochial school in 
Kenton. At the age of fourteen she was con- 
firmed and taken into the church. vShe remained 
an inmate of her father's home until she left it 
for that of her husband, and has never resided in 
any township except Pleasant. By her marriage 
three children were born, namely: Clara, who 
died at the age of three months; and George and 
Luella (twins), the former of whom died at the 
age of three months. Miss Luella, who is with 
her parents, is an accomplished young lady, and 
especially gifted as a nuisician, having devoted 
especial attention to the study of that .science. 
She is an accompli.shed pianist and also pos.sesses 
uiore than ordinary talent in vocal music. 



Mgr-^"- /i 




Biay-..--- -«, ■*■. ^-■- 




^VnHPm^H 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIIiCAL R?:CORD. 



381 



Interested in everything that pertains to the 
welfare of his community, Mr. Gerlach is pro- 
gressi\-e and energetic as a citizen. At the lime 
of the Civil War he was too young to enter the 
service, but, easier to join tlie army, he ran away 
from home twice for that purpose. Both times, 
liowever, he was l)ron,i;ht back liy his parents, 
and his j>atriotic imjndses were thus rudely "nip- 
ped in the hud." Politically he is a Democrat 
upon national issues, i)ut in local matters gives 
his support to the man whom he deems best 
qualified for the oftice in (piestion, irrespective of 
political attachments. For thirteen consecutive 
_ ears he has been School Director, for two years 
served as Road Supervisor, filled the position of 
Township Trustee for three years, and was Land 
Appraiser for one year. In the various positions 
to wdiicli he has been called, he has rendered 
faitliful and efficient service, and has promoted 
in every way possible the welfare of his fellow- 
citizens. In Jamiary, 1876, he and his wife 
united with tile Christian Church of Kenton, and 
to this they still belong. Miss Luella also holding 
membership with that congregation. The family 
is highly respected socially, and nundiers among 
its friends the liest people of the locality. 



^*^^ ,jgi^[^.j^^.^ 






3C)HN GEORGE PFEIEFER, Sk., is one of 
the industrious farmers of Goshen Town- 
ship, and has won his way to pro.sperity 
through lione.st toil and unwearying energy. His 
l^resent home is on section 23, where he has some 
forty acres. At one time he owned about four 
hundred acres of land, in tracts of varying dimen- 
sions, but he has aided each of his children to a 
good start in life by giving them one hundred 
acres and about $600 apiece, reserving just enougli 
to meet his needs. 

A son of Michael and Konitor (Eft) Pfeiffer, 

our subject was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, 

August 19, 18 18. An elder brother, John, came 

to the United States in 1829 to avoid military 

14 



service and to locate a home for the family, his 
expen.ses being paid by the father. Landing in 
Kenton, then already .selected as the county seat 
of Hardin County, he jnit up a building, an<l fol- 
lowed the shoemaker's trade for seven years. He 
then returned t<i the h'atlierland anil assisted the 
family to l)reak u[) their home. The wagons 
wci"e ready to start with their hou.seliold effects 
when the mother died. Her .son John was not 
able to attend the funeral, Init had to hide in the 
stable to avoid being .seized by the King's officers. 
The father and his eight children drove from 
Hesse-Cas.sel to Bremen, a distance of six hun- 
dred miles. About five hundred emigrants de- 
sirous of trying their fortunes in the United States 
were placed on two sailing-vessels, and the little 
partv in whom we are interested was sixty-nine 
days on the ocean. They had brought their 
wagon with them, and drove from Baltimore to 
Ohio. At the same time the Lefferts, Blooms, 
and many other German families of this locality, 
came with them. Michael Pfeiffer bought one 
hundred and sixty acres ( the place now owned 
by our subject), paying therefor $1.50 per acre. 
For inan\- vears he lived with his children, and 
passed his declining years in Kenton. He died 
June 5, iSfnj, having reached the gooil oki age of 
eighty-six years, but never gave up his allegiance 
to his native country. His wife died in Germany, 
in May, 1S37. Of their six sons and two daugh- 
ters, Adam inherited half of the old farm of one 
hundred and sixty acres, which he cultivated un- 
til his death; John owned a mill and still-house 
in Kenton, and three of his .sons, John, Louis and 
Plenry, are now well known business men of that 
place; Peter, a slioemaker by trade, located at 
Washington, I). C. : J. G. is tlie next in order of 
birth; Michael served in the United States army 
for three years, and was drowned, en route to 
California, at Ft. Leavenworth, when about thirty 
years of age; Henry died when in his .seventeeth 
year; F'lizabeth, of Pleasant Township, is the 
widow of Adam I.ulz; and ]5arbara is the wife of 
Christ Althauser. 

John George Pfeiffer was twenty years of age 
on coming to Hardin County, and after helping 
the family to get started in their new life here 



382 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAIMIICAL RECORD. 



he went to Urbana, Champaign County, where he 
obtained a position with Joseph Reynolds, a 
farmer, to whom he gave faithful service for seven 
years and seven months. He had learned the 
tanner's trade, had worked on tlie canal and 
highways, and had also been employed to some 
extent in the tannery, but did not like any of 
these callings. Farming was much more to his 
taste, and he determined to make it his life work. 
He paid his father for sixty of his eightj- acres 
of land. The whole had been divided into four 
shares, worth about S300, and he bought the 
whole tract. 

September 22, 1843, our subject married Anna 
Mar}', daughter of Samuel and Barbara (Lit- 
weiler) Strasser, who had located in Stark Coun- 
ty, Ohio, in 1832, on their emigration from the 
canton of Berne, Switzerland. Mrs. Pfeiffer was 
born in that country, June 25, 1822, and, with 
her parents, was among the early settlers of 
Goshen Township, then a wilderness. Her fa- 
ther died at Kenton, at the age of seventy-two 
years. . The following children were born to Mr. 
and Mrs. Pfeiffer: Margaret A., Mrs. John U. 
Heilman; Caroline, who became the wife of Will- 
iam Wolf, and died March 22, 1883; Michael, 
whose death occurred August 12, 185 1, in his 
seventh year; Samuel and Henry, fanners of this 
township; Adam, who owns a valuable place two 
and a-half miles north of his father's home; and 
George W., who operates the old farm. For 
sixteen years Ennna Miller was a member of the 
household, and is now the wife of William Stras- 
ser, a nephew of Mrs. Pfeiffer. They now reside 
in Keokuk County, Iowa. Besides rearing her 
own children, Mrs. Pfeiffer has done her share 
toward assisting others, as .several orphans have 
been sheltered for a few years at a time under 
her liospitable roof At present Mary Wolf, a 
little girl aged nine years, is living with them, 
and has been a member of the household for about 
a year. She was formerly a resident of New York 
City. 

Soon after his marriage Mr. Pfeiffer began to 
improve his farm, and his old hou.se is yet stand- 
ing in the heavy limljer. For some years he sold 
logs and lumber and realized a good deal from 



that source. From time to time he extended his 

landed possessions, and though at first he en- 
dured many privations, he ultimately was blessed 
with success. His farm is now in fine condition, 
though in former times it was somewhat swampy, 
as it is very flat, but this disadvantage has been 
overcome by tiling. 

The first Presidential vote of our subject was 
cast for President Polk, and he has alwaj-s af- 
filiated with the Democracy. In local matters, 
however, he chooses to vote for the best man, re- 
gardless of party lines. In early years he was 
noted as a breeder of fine horses, and has always 
tept a good grade of stock. Neither he nor his 
father ever had a lawsuit, asthej- always managed 
to settle their business affairs amicably. Mr. and 
Mrs. Pfeiffer are members of the Evangelical 
Church, and are highly honored and esteemed 
by all who know them. 



(TOHN K. MILUGAN is proprietor of the 
I leading hardware store in Larue, Marion 
(2/ County, and is numbered among the progress- 
ive young business men of the place. He car- 
ries a full line of stoves, farm implements and 
general hardware, and does a good business in 
his line. Since his arrival in this place, some 
six years ago, he has been active in the advance- 
ment of the local interests, and is a thoroughly 
reliable and honorable citizen. 

The father of the above gentleman, John Milli- 
gan, was born in Adams County, Ohio, and was 
a life-long farmer. He was of Scotch-Irish ex- 
traction, and po.sses.sed the sturd\- and industrious 
qualities which are common to that stock. His 
death cKcurred at the age of fifty-six years. His 
wife, formerly Elizabeth Mitchell, was of Scotch 
descent, and she also was born in the Buckeye 
State. She was called to her final rest at the age 
of fifty-four years, leaving four children to mourn 
her loss. 

A native of Logan County, Ohio, born Decem- 



PORTRAIT AND lUOORAl'lIlCAL RECORD. 



383 



her 28, 1863, John K. Milligan was the youngest 

ill his parents' family, and at the time of his fa- 
ther's deatli was only ten years (it ai;e. lie re- 
mained at home with his imither and obtained a 
good common-school education. vSoon after reach- 
ing his majorit}' he commenced learning the car- 
penter's trade and was employed at that business 
for three 3'ears. During one winter of this time 
he lived in Alaliama, but did not choose to make 
IheSnuth his permanent home. In 1889 he came 
to harue, where he has since been engaged in 
liusiness. 

May 15, 1S89, occurred the marriage of John 
K. Milligan and Ann M. Patersou, of Bellefon- 
taine, Ohio. Two children have come to bless 
tlieir union, Cilad\-s K. and Lawrence P. The 
[lareuts are memljers of the Presbyterian Church, 
and contribute liberally of their means to its va- 
rious departments of activity. On (juestions re- 
lating to political matters Mr. Milligan is Inde- 
pendent. 



IIIJJAM W'ADDEL has lived for forty-five 
\ears on his honiestea<l, which is situated 
on section i, W'ahlo Township, Marion 
County. His first purchase here was of si.xty- 
five acres of military land. Only a few acres had 
been cleared, and a log cabin was the onl)- build- 
ing on the farm. His distinctly remembers Ma- 
rion when there was only one store in the village, 
and in the early days of his residence here tliere 
was no regular road leading to the place, a bridle- 
path through the woods serving the purpose. 
When he was a boy he frequently rode four or 
five miles to mill with a bushel of corn, spending 
the entire day in getting it ground, and vSandusky 
was the nearest market for wheat. In those days 
it took from .seven to ten days to make the round 
trip. For twelve years Mr. Waddel has held the 
office of Justice of the Peace, and politically he is 
a stanch Democrat. 



John Waddel, the father of our subject, was 
born in Virginia, where the city of Wheeling, W. 
\'a., now stands, and when that place contained 
only a few log cabins. The date of his birth 
was June 22, 1797. The lad\' whom he married 
on reaching maturity, Margaret Giffen, was a na- 
tive of the same place, born Decemlier 24, 1799. 
They became the parents often children: KancN', 
who married Urias F. Llewellyn, and died in 
1S92; William; Daniel, whose home is in Marion; 
John, who died in 1889; Sanuiel, who lives near 
Marion; Benjamin; Isaac, whose death occurred 
in 1859; Elizabeth, widow of J. J. Rupp; Jane, 
who died in 1866; and Mary, Mrs. Daniel Ciiffen, 
of Nebraska. 

By trade John Waddel was a miller, though he 
was reared fo farm labor. He was married June 
22, 18 iS, and in 1.S21 came to Ohio with his fam- 
ily in a wagon. Coming to this county, he set- 
tled on one hundred and sixty acres of Govern- 
ment land on section 19, Richlanil Township. 
He was obliged to cut a road through the woods 
for three miles to get to his claim, and his first 
home here was a log cabin, 18x20 feet, and which 
for some time had no door. Indians were num- 
erous in this \-icinit>', but they were friendly and 
occasione<l mi uneasiness on the part oi the early 
.settlers. Mr. Waddel continued to improve his 
farm until shortly before his death, which occur- 
red January 4, 1841, when he was buried in Obern 
Cemetery. He was one of the organizers of the 
First Presbyterian Clun'ch of Marion, and also 
helped to la>- out roads and found schoolliouses, 
besides serving as Township Treasurer. His 
wife died in November, 1831, and was buried by 
his side. 

Our subject was born in Ohio County, W. Va., 
near the city of Wheeling, on Chri.stmas Day of 
1820, and was only three months old when his 
parents removed to this count>-. His boyhood 
was passed on the old farm in Richland Town- 
ship, and alter his father's death he took charge 
of the homestead, where he lived until 1850. At 
that time he removed to a tract of sixty-five acres, 
a portion of his present farm. Since that time he 
has made many substantial improvements on the 
place, which have greatly increased its value. 



3^4 



PORTRAIT AND lUOGRAPIlICAL RECORD. 



His education was obtained in the old-time sub- 
scription schools, and he has often walked three 
miles to and from the place of learning. 

November 7, 1844, William Waddel and Eliza- 
beth, daughter of John and Catherine Emery, 
were united in marriage. They have had four 
children: Margaret, who died March 29, 1890, 
and who was the wife of Charles Hawley ; Cath- 
erine, who is still living with her father; John E., 
engaged in the insurance business at Marion; 
and E;ila E., Mrs. Frank B. Erwin, of Chicago. 
Mrs. Waddel departed this life June 19, 1884. 
She was a faithful member of the Methodist 
Church, and was a woman of amialjle and lovable 
qualities. 

On questions of political moment Mr. Waddel 
is always to be found favoring the Democracy. 
For forty -four years he has held membership 
with the Methodist Church, and has been one of 
the Trustees of the organization for a great many 
years. 



GlMOS TAYLOR, one of the best, mo.st in- 
Ll lelligent and .scientific farmers of Marion 
/ I Ci)unty, is the gentleman whose sketch is 
now under consideration. His home farm, which 
is located on section 16, Salt Rock Township, 
comprises four hundred and seventy acres. On 
this, besides raising the usual amount of grain, 
he breeds fine stock, including Durham cattle, 
Poland-China hogs and French sheep. 

A native of this county, our subject was born 
in the township where he is at present residing, 
December 16, 1836. He was the fourth in order 
of t)irth in a family of six children born to Will- 
iam and Elizabeth (Davis) Taylor. Ann, the 
eldest of the hon.schold, is a resident of this 
county; John died when twenty-one years of age; 
Davis makes his home in Marion County; Amos 
was the next-born; Eliza died at the age of six- 
teen years; and Harriet is single, and makes her 
home in Marion. 

William Taylor was born in Virginia, but was 



taken to Ross Countj', this state, by his parents 
when an infant of two weeks. He remained at 
home until attaining his majority, when he came 
to Marion County and entered land in Salt Rock 
Township. He made many valuable imx>rove- 
ments on the land, and lived upon it until his de- 
cease, which occurred at the age of fifty-eight 
years. He was one of the pioneers of this sec- 
tion, and was honored and re.'ipected for his up- 
right and honorable life. After the formation of 
the Republican party he joined its ranks and was 
thereafter interested in its success. He held 
about all of the township offices, and in an early 
day was elected Land Appraiser of Marion Coun- 
ty. He was not a member of ajiy church organ- 
ization, but in hisevery-day life practiced the pre- 
cepts of the Golden Rule. On his death he left 
to his family a large and valuable e.state, which 
he accumulated entirely through his own efforts. 
His parents were born in England, and on mak- 
ing the journey to America located in Virginia. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor came to this county with 
her parents when quite j-oinig. Her father, Elisha 
Davis, was therefore one of the old settlers of 
Marion County, and was a solid business man, 
respected and admired by his friends and ac- 
quaintances. Mrs. Taylor died at the age of 
forty-two years. 

Amos, of this sketch, received a common-school 
education, and upon reaching his majority began 
for himself by renting a farm, which he carried 
on for four years. He then formed a partner- 
ship with his father-in-law, and for another four 
j-ears was engaged in farming and dealing in 
stock. At the expiration of that time he pur- 
chased a farm in Wyandot County, just a quarter 
of a mile north of his present farm, and contain- 
ing about two hundred acres. Later, however, 
he took po.s.se.ssion of his present estate, of which 
he has been the owner since 1859. 

Mr. Taylor was married in Marion County to 
Miss Sarah N. Martin, daughter of Robert Mar- 
tin, who had the distinction of being one of the 
earliest .settlers of Marion County. To them has 
been born a family of seven children, namely: 
Louisa, residing at home and engaged in teach- 
ing school in the vicinity; Elizabeth, the wife of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



385 



James L. Bender, a fanner in tliis township; Cora, 
also teaehing school in the home district; Kate, 
the wife of O/.ias \Vashl)nrn, a prosperous farmer 
of this township, whose sketch the reader may 
find on another page of this book; Ann, at home 
with her parents; Hortense, who died at the age 
of eight years; and Harpster, the yonngest, at 
home and assisting in carrying on the farm. 

In his political views Mr. Ta\lor is a stanch 
Republican. He has been Township Trustee, 
Supervisor and School Director for many years. 
Like his father Ix-fore hiui, he is not connected 
with any church. He has e\er borne his part in 
the niibuilding and developing of the county's 
liest interests, and is a prominent and influential 
citizen, highly respected throughout the coinnui- 
nit\-, where he has a large circle of friends and 
acquaintances. 



NOMER P. STEVENSON, of Taylor Creek 
Township, Hardin County, is a typical old 
pioneer. In June, 1842, he bought eighty 
acres of the farm where he is now living, the fol- 
lowing fall put up a log-caliin 16x18 feet in di- 
mensions, with one window and two tloors, and 
in the following spring nio\-ed into this humble 
abode, which was his home until 1.S62. The land 
was covered with timber, and as he had no teams 
he labored under a great disadvantage. For sev- 
eral years he had to work very hard, and in order 
to obtain a small horse he had to make six thou- 
sand rails. Once when he had a payment of $20 
to make on his land, money being very scarce, he 
obtained the necessary amount by killing four- 
teen deer in nine days, and all but five of these 
he shot in a three-days hunt. Later he bought 
forty acres of additional land, and subsequently 
thirty acres more, his place now comprising one 
hundred and forty-five acres of desirable land, 
lie has lived retired since 1876, since which time 
his son has managed the farm. 

The birth of our subject occurred in Greene 
Counts-, Ohio, near Springfield, May 31, 1S16. 



His parents, William and Margaret (Hillis) Ste- 
venson, iiati\-es of \'irginia, came to Ohio in 1800. 
vSettling in Greene Count\-, they bought one hun- 
dred acres of wild lantl, put up a log cabin, and 
started to clear away the timber. The father 
died on this jilace Decend)er 2(i, 1826, and his 
wife followed him to the silent land in 1848. 
They w'ere both f;iithful members of the Pres- 
byterian Church. For several years William 
Steven.son served as Township Assessor and as 
Justice of the Peace. Of his five children, our 
subject is now the only survivor. The others 
were: Rachel, Mrs. Turner Whitcomb; David, 
who married Nancy Brown; James; and Preston, 
who wedded Sarah vScott. 

When he was but ten years of age the father 
of H. P. Stevenson died, and he continued to li\'e 
with his mother for .seven years, working at va- 
rious occupations in the mean time. When he 
was twenty-four years of age his brother employed 
him in a sawmill on Silver Creek, and in this ca- 
pacity he remained .some six years. He then 
managed the farm of Mrs. Bailey, a widow, for 
two years, and later invested his earnings in a 
place of his own, this property being the farm on 
which he has since dwelt. He is now the oldest 
settler in Taylor Creek Township, and is known 
far and near. He started out as a poor boy and 
achieved success, of which he may well be proud, 
and although he received but little .schooling, is 
mainly self-educated. His first vote was cast for 
General HarrLson, and since the formation of the 
Republican party he has been one of its stalwart 
adherents. Few men can boast of serving in the 
capacity of Justice of the Peace for a period of 
forty years, but such is true of our subject, as he 
was elected in April, 1852, and served until 1892. 
In 1846 he was made Township Assessor, being 
the first one elected to that office, in which ca- 
pacity lie served for three terms, and he has also 
been Trustee for one year. He helped to organ- 
ize the schools, was a Director for several years, 
and did his share toward la>ing out the roads, 
making bridges, etc. 

November 26, 1840, in tliis township, was cel- 
ebrated the marriage of Mr. Stevenson and Mary 
Ann, dau.ghter of Daniel and Nancy (Hill) Hoi- 



386 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



linger. The latter were natives of Virginia, and 
early settlers of Ohio. Mrs. Stevenson is the only 
survivor of six children, and was born May 25, 
1822, in Champaign County, Ohio. By her mar- 
riage she became the mother of nine children. 
Bartley E., born January 4, 1842, was killed in 
the battle of Winchester, September 19, 1864, 
while a member of Company D, Thirty-fourth 
Ohio Regiment. Lewis M., born July 24, 1844, 
married Caroline Rainiey, by whom he had nine 
children, four of whom are yet living, and makes 
his home near Rellefontaine. Rachel, born No- 
vember II, 1846, married Leander King, of Ken- 
ton, and has four children. Preston W., born 
September 6, 1849, died at the age of two years. 
Lizzie, Mrs. A. S. Ranney, of Kenton, was born 
August 9, 1852. Perry, whose birth occurred 
May 26, 1855, married Amy Hinkle, who died 
November 21, 1892. David, born January 25, 
1858, married Sarah Baily, by whom he has two 
children, and is now a resident of this township. 
James B., who died at the age of four years, was 
born January 11, 1861; and Maggie, the young- 
est, and the wife of Otis Hopkins, of this town- 
ship, was born April 11, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. 
Stevenson hold membership in the Presbyterian 
Church. 



|IM,ARDC. EM]-;RY, M. I). A po.sition 
of prominence in the medical fraternity of 
Kenton is held by the subject of this notice, 
who began in the practice of his profession in this 
city during the spring of 1884, and has since had 
a large and remunerative patronage. He is a 
follower of the homeopathic school, and his 
ability and success have done much toward gain- 
ing popularity for that system among the people 
of this locality. In the diagnosis of intricate and 
complicated cases he displays an accuracy and 
skill that prove his thorough knowledge of the 
jirofession in its every department. 

The Emery family originated in Ocrmany, but 
has been represented in America for many years. 



and three generations have been residents of Ohio. 
Peter H. Emery, the father of our subject, was 
a native of Pennsylvania, whence he removed to 
Ohio early in the '40s, and with his brother 
started the fir.st carriage factory in Bellefontaine. 
His death occurred in that city in 1865. The 
lady whom he married, Mary Ann Anderson, 
was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and her father, 
Matthew Anderson, was one of the pioneers of 
Logan County, his home being on a farm near 
West Liberty. During the last twenty years of his 
life he was totally blind. One of his .sons was a 
member of the Wisconsin State Legislature and 
State Senate, and now makes his home in that 
state. Mrs. Marj- A. Emery survives her hus- 
band, and now resides in Bellefontaine. 

At the time of the death of Peter H. Emery, 
his wife was left with four small children depend- 
ent upon her. Of the.se the eldest, W. C, was 
born in Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio, April 
16, 1S56. His three sisters are Jennie, who re- 
sides with her mother at Bellefontaine; Sallie, 
wife of E. W. Patterson, a well-to-do stockman 
of Bellefontaine; and Mamie, wife of Dr. Frank 
Griffin, a denti.st of Bellefontaine. The subject 
of this sketch received his literary education in 
the common and high schools of his native city, 
and in 1S76, when twenty years old, commenced 
to read medicine with Dr. J. H. Wil.son, of Belle- 
fontaine. Later he attended lectures at the 
Pulte Medical College of Cincinnati, from which 
institution he was graduated in the spring of 
1S79. 

Forming a partnership with his former precep- 
tor. Dr. Emery remained in Bellefontaine until 
1884, when, as above stated, he came to Kenton. 
He was united in marriage, in 1884, with Miss 
Fvinma May Kerr, the daughter of an extensive 
and successful commi.ssion merchant of Buffalo, 
N. Y. iMito their union there have been born 
two sons and two daughters, named as follows: 
Hazel, Marguerite, Horace Clayton and Willard 
vSprague. The religious connections of Dr. and 
Mrs. Emery are with the Presbyterian Church, 
in the welfare of which he takes a deep interest. 
In political affairs he advocates the iirincijiles of 
the Republican party, and is well infdrnied con- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



387 



cerniiig- matters pertaining- to local and national 
jirosperity. His residence, an attractive house 
recently erected, is situated on North Detroit 
vStreet, and is one of the most cosey and pleasant 
homes in the citv. 



l(i). ^M>Ps .(i)j 



<^HOMAS KSPY, President of the Kenton 
I C Milling Company and President of the Ken- 
\^ ton Gas and Electric Company', was born in 
Beaver County-, Pa., May 12, 1.S37. He is the 
son of John lispy, a native of the same county, 
born in 18 12. Tlie original progenitors of the 
family in America were two brothers who came 
hither from the North of Ireland in Colonial 
times, one settling east of the Alleghany Moun- 
tains, near Philadelphia, and the other making 
his home mi the west side of the mountains. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
born in Beaver County and there engaged in farm 
pursuits. He had a large family of children, 
among whom were two sons, Jolui and Thomas. 
The latter went to North Carolina, married, and 
became a jirominent minister in tlie Presbyterian 
Church. The two brothers were separated, and 
nothing was heard of Thomas fir many years. 
About the time of the outbreak nf the Rebellion, 
our subject went to North Carolina to learn if 
any trace could be found of his uncle. He dis- 
covered that he was dead, and that his onlv child, 
Harriet Newell, was the wife of United States 
Senator \'ance. In this way the cousins became 
known to each other, and vSenator Vance and his 
wife visited the family at Kenton on several dif- 
ferent occasioirs. Mrs. Vance died in North Car- 
olina in 1877. 

The father of our subject, who was a miller by 
trade, came to Hardin County, Ohio, in 18,^8, 
when Thomas was a child one }'ear old. Settling 
on a farm, he remained there for two years, but 
in 1840 located in Kenton, where, in 1845, he built 



the first steam flouring mill in Hardin County, on 
the present site of the Toledo & Ohio Central 
Railroad Depot. During the remainder of his life 
he was engaged in milling and farming in Ken- 
ton, and through his industrious efforts and ex- 
cellent management became the possessor of a 
fortune. He passed away in 1878, in the faith 
of the Universalist Church, to which he hail be- 
longed for some years. 

The maternal ancestors of our subject were of 
Scotch origin. His mother, Jane Anderson, was 
born in Beaver Count>-, Pa., and makes her home 
with her only child, our subject. Though sev- 
enty-six years of age, she retains her mental fac- 
ulties and physical strength, being as keen of in- 
tellect as many twenty years her junior. The 
subject of this sketch received his primarj' educa- 
tion in the schools of Kenton, after which he 
spent two years in a college at Northwood, Logan 
County. In i8s'i he attended a commercial col- 
lege in Cincinnati, and in 1861 entered the Cin- 
cinnati Law School. The following year he was 
admitted to the Bar, but never engaged in the 
active practice of his profession, preferring to take 
up a business life. In 1864 he became associated 
with his father in the milling business, in which 
he has since engaged. 

In company with William Ochs, in 1866, Mr. 
Espy erected the mill now riwned I:i\- the Ken- 
ton Milling Company, of which he is Presiilent. 
When a mere lad of eleven years, he commenced 
to keep his father's books, and duriiig his school 
life attended to this branch of the business. In 
1855 he became Deputy Comity Treasurer, and 
occupied that position for fjur years. For some 
time prior to 1874 he was interested in a private 
bank which was owned by Joseph Paulucci and 
others, and for two years afterward held the posi- 
tion of cashier with the Hardin Savings Bank, 
in which the former institution had been merged. 
At the organization of the First National Bank in 
1878 he became one of the Directors. 

Believing that increased tran.sportation facilities 
would rapidly enhance the prosperity of Kenton, 
Mr. Espy in 1868 became connected with a pro- 
jected railroad to run from Pittsburg, via Kenton 
and Huntington, Ind., to Chicago. In 1881 the 



388 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



road was completed and was called the Chicago & 
Atlantic. Mr. Espy was one of the first Direct- 
ors, and so continued until the line was sold to the 
Erie system. In the mean time, in connection 
with the late General Robinson, he bnilt the con- 
nection, twenty-six miles, between Kenton and 
Marion. In 1886 he assisted in the organization 
of the Scioto Natural Gas Companj-, of which he 
was elected President. This enterprise has been 
extended from time to time, penetrating the Han- 
cock County fields, until now it has thirty miles of 
main pipe. In 1891 this was connected and con- 
solidated with the Kenton Gas and Electric Com- 
pany. 

Mr. Espy was one of the first Board of Direc- 
tors of the County Infirmary, and for twenty 
years was Treasurer of Buck Township. While 
serving as one of the first pike commissioners, he 
assisted in building the first pike in Hardin 
County. Altogether he has been one of the most 
active business men of this county. Socially he 
has been a Mason since 1858, In politics he has 
always adhered to Democratic principles. 

The marriage of Mr. E-spy, in 1870, united 
him with Miss Sallie Johnson, of Madison Coun- 
ty, Ohio, who prior to her union with our subject 
was a tearher in the Kenton .schools. They are 
the parents of three living children, two sons and 
a daughter. The latter, Ainia bj- name, is being 
educated in Auburndale Seminary, near Boston, 
Ma.ss. The sons, Frank and Jesse, are students 
in the union school of Kenton. 



(TOHX MORGAN JONES, who. resides on 
I .section 10, Blanchard Township, Hardin 
C2/ County, was born in Knox County, Ohio, 
November 6, 1832. He is a .son of John and Sa- 
rah ( Bradbury) Jones, the former a native of New 
Jer.sey, who removed thence to Pennsylvania, but 
soon afterward came to Ohio and settled in Knox 
County. In 1S53 he came to Hardin County, 
locating in W'asliingtnii Townsliiji, where he died 



in 1867, aged sixt}--seven j-ears. His wife, who 
was born in Peinisylvania, was about three years 
his senior, and survived him a number of years, 
dying in 1873, at the age of seventy-six. He was 
prospered in his undertakings, and accumulated 
two hundred acres of valuable land in Washing- 
ton Township. 

The parental family consisted of six sons and 
two daughters, and John was the next to the 
youngest of the number. He remained with his 
parents until twenty-three years of age, though 
for some time previous he had engaged in teach- 
ing school. His first term was in Hardin Coun- 
ty, being the Beech Grove School in Pleasant 
Township, where he was paid $12 per month 
and "boarded round." His three elder brothers 
had settled in Washington Township, where An- 
drew and Christopher still reside. Abner B. , who 
was captured by the rebels during the late war, was 
confined in one of their prisons, and became ter- 
ribly emaciated as a result of his sufferings. 
Shortly after his release he died in the hospital at 
Annapolis, Md. 

In 1852 Mr. Jones taught a three-months temi 
of school in Knox County, and at its close re- 
moved to Hardin County, whither his parents 
had preceded him a few months. He secured the 
farm that his brother had originally settled, but 
a few years later traded the place for land in Iowa, 
and bought the southwest part of Blanchard 
Township in 1867. Upon an eighty-acre tract 
there he lived for thirteen years, and thence came 
to his present farm in the northeast part of the 
same township in 1880. This tract of one hun- 
dred and eighty acres was originally known as 
the Capt. Cyrus Herrick p-arni, much of his life 
having been spent thereon. He erected the two- 
story residence that adorns the place, and which 
is a brick structure, containing twelve rooms and 
built at a cost of $5,000. 

July I, 1855, Mr. Jones married Miss Eliza- 
beth Merinda Gillen, a native of New Jersey, but 
at that time a resident of Washington Township. 
Their family consisted of the following children: 
Sarah Caroline, who died when in her eigliteenth 
year; Benton K., a physician of Kenton; luldie 
Iv., a dealer in hay and grain at Kenton; Ivlla 




SAM' i:i, II I. AKo'i iii;ks 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



391 



(twill of the former ), wife of Dr. \V. D. Bariihill, 
of FiiuUa}', Ohio; Christopher K., an invalid; 
Adelbert M. and Odel Ulysses (twins) ; and John 
Morgan, a student in the Normal School at Ada. 
All have received excellent educational advan- 
tages, and are well informed and refined. Polit- 
ically Mr. Jones is a Republican. For a long 
period lie has been a Methodist, and his niem- 
bersliip is in the Harris Chapel, in lilanchard 
Township, of which he is a Trustee. 






MAMUKL H. CAROTHHRS, a retired farmer 
/\ residing on section 16, Pleasant Township, 
\~J Hardin County, was born in Huntingdon 
County, Pa., February S, 1S19. He is the son 
of James Carothers, who was born in 1770, in the 
Highlands of Scotland, not far from Glasgow, and 
was brought to America the following year by his 
father, James, Sr. The famil\' landed in Phila- 
delphia, wdiich at that time was a small fort. 
They located in Dauphin County, not far from 
the Cit}' of Brotherh' Love, and there thewife 
and mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary 
Maloy, died about 1779. Afterward James, Sr. , 
married again. He was a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary War, in which he served five and one-half 
years, being a member of Washington's body- 
guard during part of that time. In physique he 
was well built, powerful, mu.scular and brawny, 
and was tall of stature, being six feet and four 
inches in height. For seven years he .served as 
frontier guard, during which time he killed a 
large number of Indians. He had taken an oath 
to avenge the massacre of his brother's family 
by the redmen, and never lost an opportunity of 
slaying one of the savages. An unerring shot, 
he was fond of the sport of hunting, and kept the 
family larder supplied with game. 

While he devoted some attention to the gun- 



smith's trade. Grandfather Carothers was never 
a hard worker, preferring to spend his time in 
hunting, fishing, etc., rather than in manual la- 
bor. His land was cleared mainly by hired help. 
Among his hands was an Irishman, who, on emi- 
grating to America, had bound himself to the 
\'essel-owner to work four years for the one to 
whom his time was sold. Mr. Carothers paid 
sixteen pounds for the four years' service, and 
thus secured the man. It proved a very i)rofit- 
able investment, for the Irishman was industrious, 
and cleared the tract of two hundred acres given 
Mr. Carothers for his service in the Revolution- 
ary War. The latter attained the venerable age 
of ninety-four, and died near vShirleysburg, Hunt- 
ingdon County, about 1S24. 

At the time the famil_\- moved to Huntingdon 
County, Pa., James Carothers, Jr., was about 
eighteen years old. Following the patriotic ex- 
ample set by his father, he enlisted during the 
War of iS 1 2, and rendered brave ser\-ice in be- 
half of our country. In Huntingdon County he 
met and married Pollj- Fitzsimnions, who was 
born in Dublin, Ireland, in 17.S2, and was the 
youngest of three daughters who accompanied 
their parents, Patrick and Nancy Fitzsimnions, 
to America, the emigration of the family occur- 
ring about the time of the clo.se of the Revolu- 
tion. 

The marriage of James Carothers, Jr., and 
Polly F'itzsimmons occurred in 1800, and they be- 
gan housekeeping in Huntingdon County, where 
they continued to reside until death. The mother 
died before our subject came to Ohio, the father 
afterward. Both are buried in the cemetery near 
Shirleysburg. Samuel H. had very few educa- 
tional advantages in youth. In summer lie was 
too busy on the farm to attend .school, while in 
the winter the snow was so deep as to render 
walking ahno.st impossible. His entire schooling 
did not exceed three months. His mother taught 
him to read in the Bible, and his wife taught him 
to write after he was married. 

For a few months after his majority, our sub- 
ject continued to give his time to his father, then 
worked for wages by the day. FVir two years he 
was employed as a teamster, receiving $11 per 



392 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



month. He was economical and saved his earn- 
ings, having about $88 when he was ready to 
come to Ohio. With $22 he purcliased two 
horses, one of which was blind. For $2 he 
bought a wagon, but was obliged to expend $8 
in its repair. With this outfit and about $50 in 
cash he started out. His cash capital, however, 
was soon reduced by tolls and other expenses to 
$16.10, with which amount he arrived in Greene 
County, Ohio. 

In his new home Mr. Carothers had many 
hardships to endure, and his expenses were heavy 
in proportion to the comforts enjoyed. For the 
first flour that he purchased he paid fifty-one 
cents per pound. His first work was in exchange 
for four bushels of corn per day, but as corn only 
brought a shillii'g a bushel, the returns of his la- 
bor were meager. He rented an old two-roomed 
house, for tlie rental of which he gave two days 
work a month. The shop of his Quaker land- 
lord he used to make a small table and two stools, 
but did not have a chair in his house for more 
than a year after he moved into it. For a time 
he worked by the day for his brother, but after 
harvest lea.sed one hundred and sixty acres, forty 
of which were cleared. There was a cabin on 
the farm, but the condition of the place was so 
dilapidated that its reputation throughout the 
neighborhood was unenviable. However, being 
young, strong and energetic, he succeeded in 
bringing about a great transformation in the 
place, where he remained for three years. The 
remainder of his lease he sold for $60. 

The elder brother of our subject, who was a 
blacksmith, made him a broad-wheeled wagon 
and went bail for him for three horses. With 
this assistance, he commenced teaming in the fall 
of 1842. In October he was in debt $240, but by 
April I had lifpiidated the indebtedness, in addi 
tion to which he had spent $50 in his hou.se and 
had $100 to loan out. He fre(|uently hauled 
corn, whiskey, pork, lard, etc., to Cincinnati, re- 
turning with coal. In this way he made about 
$30 a week. In the fall of 1846 he started for 
Hardin County with three wagon-loads of furni- 
ture and $5<x) in money. His first purchase 
here consisted of eighty acres in Pleasant Town- 



ship, for which he paid $800. Making his home 
there, he continued teaming for four and one-half 
years. 

In the .spring of 1851 Mr. Carothers bought 
one hundred and sixty acres where he now re- 
sides. A year later he moved here, and this has 
since been his home. Some of his land he has 
sold, but still retains the ownership of one hun- 
dred and forty-five acres, in addition to which he 
has two eighty-acre tracts elsewhere. June 24, 
1840, he married Nancy E. Gilmore, who was 
born in Cumberland County, Pa., January 25, 
1819, and died October 12, 1861. The}- became 
the parents of nine children, three of whom died 
in infancy unnamed, and the second, Alsetta, 
when a few weeks old. Gilmore, who was born 
April 21, 1844, lives near Plymouth, .Marshall 
County, Ind.; Lydia is decea.sed; Florence Jane, 
who was born January 14, 185 1, is the wife of 
F. M. Crawford, and resides near Kenton; Sarah 
Belle, who was born in 1856, is the wife of Isaac 
Draper, who is engaged in the livery business at 
Kenton; and William Hendenson, whose birth oc- 
curred October 11, 1S61, resides on a portion of 
the old homestead. Mrs. Nancy E. Carothers 
was a daughter of Mitchell and Lydia (Johnson) 
Gilmore, of Cumberland County, Pa. 

June 24, 1862, Mr. Carothers married Mrs. 
Ann E. Woods, who was born in Union County, 
Pa., June 7, 1829, being a daughter of Roland 
and Elizabeth (Musser) Reece, a native of Penn- 
sylvania. Mr. Reece was a son of Thomas Reece, 
a native of Wales. The second marriage of our 
subject was blessed by the birth of two children: 
Lizzie, wife of John Crooks, a farmer of Blanch- 
ard Township; and Roland Reece, deceased. By 
her marriage with Lewis Woods, Mrs. Carothers 
had two children: Hannah L-, who married Frank 
Hefelfiuger, of Kenton; and Lewis, who is en- 
gaged in farming east of Kenton. 

In politics Mr. Carothers was a Democrat un- 
til within recent years, but is now a supporter of 
the principles of the People's party. In public 
affairs he takes great interest, and is one of his 
party leaders. \\'itli his wife he holds member- 
ship ill the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which 
he has belonged for forty -six years. For twenty- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



39.-? 



five years he has been Class-L,eader, and has also 
ser\-e(l as Trustee, Steward and an exhorter in 
the chiircli at (iraiit. His parents were eunnected 
with tile Seoteh Presbyterian Chureh, and his 
lather was an Elder. Interested in educational 
matters, he has rendered efficient service as School 
Director, and for many years filled the office of 
Township Trustee. In ever\- posiliun of trust to 
which he has been called, he has done everything 
in his power to promote the moral, educational 
and agricultural interests of his section and is 
justly numbered among the most influential men 
of his community. Socially he held fraternal re- 
lations with the Order of Good Templars during 
the existencf' of that orgariization. 



Si;(^RGIC H. HAMILTON has lived for the 
past seventeen years on section 17, Pleasant 
Tdwuship, Har<lin County. Ilis home lies 
l\\(i and a-hall miles north ol Kentnn, and the 
farm contains one hundred and sixt\-six. and 
three-quarters acres, improved with good build- 
ings, fences, etc. He has many friends in this 
community, and enjoys an enviable reputation for 
his uniform integrity and sterling worth. Never 
an office-seeker, he yet has been called upon to 
.serve as .School Director and Road Supervisor, 
but aside from these offices has managed to keep 
out of public affairs. On ([uestions of National 
importance his ballot is given to the Democracy, 
Init in local matters he is independent. 

William Hamilton, our suliject's father, was 
horn in \'irgiui.'\, June 12, 1800. His father, Ed- 
w.nrd Hamilton, was born in Scotland in 1770, 
and was brought to the United States in his youth 
])>■ his father, who was a brother of Alexander 
H.-unilton, the great American .statesman. After 
living for two years in Coiniecticut, the family 
moved to Virginia, where Edward received part 
of his education. He was a great scholar and 
mathem.'itician. I'or over fortv vcars he was a 



Steward in the Methodist Epi.scopal Church. He 
married Rachel Fickel, a \'irginiau, and in the 
fall of 1802 they cros.sed the mountains to Ohio, 
their journey being made in a peculiar way. Two 
oak baskets were fastened together and swung 
across a horse, and the two children were placed 
in these receptacles, while the mother rode the 
animal, the father walking ahead carrying his axe 
and gun. A frj'ing-pan and a few ]irovisions 
were all their ])nssessions, hut the father, who was 
an excellent hunter, supplied them with wild 
game on the way. They settled in Perry County, 
three miles northeast of Somerset, where Mr. 
Hamilton entered eighty acres of land, which was 
thickly covered with chestnut, walnut, hickcjry 
and maple trees. When George H. was a latl of 
.seventeen, he spent one winter with his grand- 
parents, helping to make fifty gallons of delicious 
maple s\ rup. I )uring the War of 1S12 Edward 
Hamilton was in the ser\-ice, and for three days 
was at I"t. .McArthur, just before Hull's surren- 
der, l)eing on his wa\- to reinforce that General, 
but on account of his surrender retreated. He 
died in i.S4,S, ami his wife's death took jilace just 
two days prior to his own, she being in her .se\'- 
enty-eighth year. Of their children, lUizabeth 
first married a Mr. Joslyn, and after his death be- 
came the wife of Henry Warrick; Joseph .settled 
in Brownsville, Ohio; Sarah married Dick Barn- 
ett, who lived to be one hundred and one years 
of age; Mrs. Rachel Bowser, formerly resided in 
Perry Connt\-, but later moved to Franklin Coun- 
t\-, Ohio: Benjamin ran a tanyard, in connection 
with his brother James, in Marion County for 
many years; James, a farmer of Marion County, 
lived to celebrate his golden wedding; Samuel 
located in luiltonham. Perry County; Isaac died 
in l-'ranklin Couul\' in February, 1895, when 
within six da>s of being eighty years of age; 
and Cary, the \(iungest, married Harri.s(jn Rob- 
erts, who resided in Muskingum Count>-. 

William Ilaniilton was about a year and ;idialf 
old when his p.arents brought him in the basket 
on horseliack, previously alluded to, IVoni his na- 
tive .state to Ohio. He was reared in Perry County 
and until he was seventeen years of age attended 
log schoolhouses. but nuich of his education was 



394 



POKTHAIT AND BIOGKAl'HICAL RECORD. 



received from his father by a torch-light fire, and 
three of his brothers, who received like instruc- 
tion, afterward became teachers in this state. 
When in his eighteenth year young William went 
to learn the carpenter's trade with his uncle, Ed- 
ward Fickel, and afterward followed that busi- 
ness until his marriage, February 14, 1827, with 
Margaret Rice. He then rented a farm for a 
year, after which he bought one hundred and six- 
ty acres north of Marion, Marion County. There 
he continued to dwell until his death, June 11, 
1872, the day before the anniversary of the sev- 
enty-second year of his birth. For many years 
he followed his trade in various parts of Marion 
County, at the same time carrying on his farm. 
He was a life-long Democrat, and was respected 
by all who knew him. His wife was born in 
Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1805, being a daughter of 
Jacob and Nancy Rice, who were married in that 
city about 1S02. The father was born in Ger- 
many, and after living for a few years in Chilli- 
cothe, put up the first horsemill erected in Ma- 
rion County, and al)out 1837 moved to Adams 
County, 111., where his death occurred. He 
was drafted into the service in the War of 1812, 
and was with Hull among the surrendered sol- 
diers. Being kept a prisoner on an island in Lake 
Erie, he suffered much by hunger and cold dur- 
ing one winter, and lost two fingers and all his 
finger and toe nails by freezing. With his brnlh- 
er he was relea.sed the following summer and re- 
turned home. Mrs. Margaret Hamilton was one 
of five children. Her brother. Dr. Robert Rice, 
practiced in F'remont, Ohio, forty years, and his 
son. Dr. John B., was a surgeon in the armj' dur- 
ing the late war. John, another brother, lived 
in Marion County, until the close of the war, 
when he moved to Kansas. William .settled near 
the old fort at FVemont; and Mary, the only sis- 
ter, was three limes married, first to a Mr. I,a- 
pole, then to a .Mr. Bowers, and lastly to a Mr. 
Cobb, of Illinois. Mrs. Margaret Hamilton died 
in Marion County, January 11, 1880, after a long 
and useful life. Her education was largely ob- 
tained from a private teacher, who lived in the 
home of a Mr. Hopkins, in .Scott Township, Ma- 
rion Countv. 



George H. Hamilton is next to the eldest of 
fifteen children, the others being as follows: 
Rachel, who died in Marion County; Mary, who 
died at the age of .seventeen years; Carrie, wife 
of William Bowser, of Illinois; Elizabeth, who 
died at the age of eleven years; Samuel, whose 
death occurred in infancy; Edward, who depart- 
ed this life in 1865; Caroline, who is now de- 
cea.sed, and who was formerh' the wife of \'an 
vSearch; Jane, deceased, fonnerly the wife of John 
Search: Marguerett, Mrs. William Reece, of Ma- 
rion; Amanda, who married William Van Meter, 
of Marion County; Catherine, the wife of I.,ouis 
vSosa, a blacksmith of Marion; Nancy, Mrs. Al 
Chapman, who lives in Marion County; William, 
who died in infancy: and Ella, who died at the 
age of tvventj'-six years, unmarried. 

The .subject of this sketch was born on a farm 
near Marion, April 17, 1829, and attended the 
district schools until he was nineteen years of age. 
On the morning of his twenty-first birthday his 
mother gave him a half-dollar coined in the year 
1809, which had been given her by her mother, 
and which our subject still has in his possession. 
He .started forth to make his own way, and for 
five months was em])loyed by Thomas Hoops at 
$11 per month. Mr. Hoops later moved to Illi- 
nois and founded Hoope.stown, where Mr. Ham- 
ilton has .since visited him. Two jears followed 
in which George H. worked at grading on the 
Hellcfontaine & Indiana Railroad. March 15, 
1S53, he started for the Pacific gold-fields by way 
of New York and the Isthmus. At Aspinwall he 
took a skiff to Gorgona, on the Chagres River, 
and thence walked to Panama, where he em- 
barked in the steamer "George Law" for San 
Francisco, arriving there April 14, 1853. Going 
to Sacramento, he tried to find an uncle there, 
but failed and went on with a party to Donald- 
villc. He .soon obtained a position at $100 a 
month and his board, and at the end of .seven 
months bought an interest in a mine for $2,000, 
serving as Treasurer of the company until he left 
for home. In aliout a year and a-half he made 
$4,500, and lie concluded to return East. At San 
Francisco he embarked on the steamer ' 'Golden 
Gate," and when a few days away from Aspin- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



:-.95 



wall yelliiw fevcT broke nut on tliu vessel. l'oit\- 
seveu of his fellow-passengers died, and one of 
these occupied the berth below his own, our sub- 
ject's escape being a matter of surprise to every- 
one. While he was in California some earth 
cax'ed in upon him and he was extricated only a 
moment before there was another slide, which 
would ha\'e buried him under twenty feet <-)f de- 
liris. As it was, he was unconscious for eighteen 
hours and was obliged to use crutches for four 
months. He fiuall\' reached home safel>-, .Sep- 
tember 2c), 1S54, and soon after invested his sav- 
ings in one hiuulred and eighty-four acres of land 
in Marion Township, Marion Conntv, where he 
li\'ed for twenty-three years. vSelling out, he re- 
moved to his present farm April 2, 1^77. 

Januar\' 4, 1S5.S, Mr. Hamilton was married, 
in Marion Count_\-, to Margaret J., daughter of 
John P. and Naonn ( Mouser) Smith. The for- 
mer was born in X'irgiuia in 1.S03, being a son of 
I'Mward Smith, who 'lied in the Old Dominion. 
In i.'^^y the father moved to a farnr in Marion 
Connt>-, this state, where he departed this life in 
18.S7. He was married in Jefferson County, Va., 
in 1827, his wife having been born in that local- 
ity, in 1S03, to Jacob and Ave (lienncr) Mouser. 
Mrs. Hamilton was born January iS, I1S35, and 
is one of nine children, the others being, William, 
Jacob, Mary, Martha, (ieorge, one who died un- 
named, Isaac and James. The union of Mr. and 
Mr.s. George Hamilton has been blessed with 
eleven children, namely: John W., who li\-es 
near Kenton; Naomi E., deceased, formerly the 
wife of Madison Birchfield, of Marion County; 
James A., a farmer of this neighborhood; Mary O., 
who died in iSSg; Frank H. and P'rances M., 
twins, the lormer lixing on a larm west of his fa- 
ther's homestead, and the latter ha\'ing died in 
l'"ebruar\-, I.'^.SI; (ieorge A., who is engaged in 
farming in this vicinity; b'rnest, whose death oc- 
curred in June, iS<)2; Minnie I. , living at home; 
Orpha G., also at home; .-lud Alpha vS., who died 
in infancy. 

During the War of the Rebellion Mr. Hamil- 
ton enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and 
Thirtv-sixth Ohio Infantry, was mustered in at 
Camp Chase, May 11, 1.S64, and served four 



months under Colonel Ir\in, being stationed mo.^t 
of the lime near Alexandria and Washington. 
He is a member of Kenton I'ost No. 97, C. A. R. 
He is quite a tra\'eler, having visited all the great 
cities of this country between the Mississip])i 
River and the Atlantic seaboard, and ha\iug also 
spent nuich time in California, as liefoie stated. 



30HN SCHWI'MMI'R is a thrifty German- 
American citizen of Cessna Township, Har- 
din County. He has cleared and made \-aln- 
able improvements f)n the homestead, and deserves 
great credit for the manly, courageous way in 
which, as a stranger in a strange land, he sur- 
mounted all the difficulties in his pathwav and 
was undaunted by failure. His farm was a trac t 
of unimproved timber when he became its owner, 
and bore little resemblance to its present condi- 
tion. This place comprises one hundred and 
five acres, well e(piipped with sulistanti.al build- 
ings, fences, etc. 

Our subject is one of five children born to 
George and Christine Scliwenimer, the date of 
his birth being March 22, i.S2r). He was reared 
in a village in Bavaria, and left home in 1845 to 
seek a fortune in the United .States. After his 
arrival here he found employment in New \"ork 
State for the first six months. He later went to 
Michigan, where he worked during the next 
three years, but in 1849 was infected by the gold 
fever and that spring started overland b\- team. 
Reaching St. Jo.seph, Mo., he bought lour \oke 
of oxen and continued his journey across the 
plains. The trip consumed about five months 
and was replete with interesting incidents. He 
at once began prospecting near vSacramento, and 
succeeded very well financiallw On Iiis return 
trip he took the ocean route ami located in Cin- 
cinnati, where he made his home about one >'car. 
Sub.sequently he settled in Butler County, Ohio, 
from which place he emigrated to this section. 

In 1854 Mr Schwemmer married Mary F,. 
Wedertz, who was a faithful companion and help- 



396 



PORTRAIT AND I'.IOCRAPIIICAL RECORD. 



mate to him along the journey of life. She was 
summoned by death in 1874, and her place has 
never been filled. Of their union eight children 
were born, as follows: Mary E., wife of Michael 
Bush; Minnie, wife of George Hantze; Oscar \V., 
John N., George, Charles E., Andrew J. and 
Callie. 

In questions relating to politics Mr. Schweni- 
mer is an unswerving Republican. Personally, 
he is esteemed by all who have the pleasure of 
his acquaintance. 



-m^ 



^m- 



(John HITES. The hi.story of this gentle- 
I man was for manj- years intimately connect- 
(2/ ed with that of Hardin County, of which he 
was an early settler. At tlie time of coming 
hither, the country was sparsely settled and in a 
wild condition. Though himself advanced in 
years at that time, he at once began, with the en- 
thusiasm, energy and determination of youth, the 
task of clearing the timber and improving the 
land. Erecting a log house for the abode of his 
family, he worked with a will, hewing timber, 
tilling the .soil, harvesting the grain, and doing 
the work incident to life upon a farm. As the 
j-ears went by, he was rewarded for his labors, 
and at the time of his death his homestead was 
one of tlie be.st in McDonald Township. 

The life which this narrative sketches began in 
1 79 1, more than one hundred years ago. His 
long life was spent entirely in Ohio, and there 
were few who witnessed as nuich of its growth 
as did he. His father, John Hites, Sr. , owned a 
farm near Mansfield, and there he pa.ssed the 
years of youth, his time being devoted closely to 
agricultural pursuits, with the exception of the 
jieriod of his service in the War of 181 2. At the 
age of twenty-four he began for himself and at 
first worked on a farm by the month, but later, 
through econoniy and per.severancc, was enabled 
to cultivate a farm of his own. 

It was in 1856 that Mr. Hites removed to Har- 



din County, and purchased sixty-two acres of 
land in McDonald Township. The property was 
heavily timbered and destitute of improvements, 
but under his supervision it became one of the 
most valuable farms of that locality. He was 
twice married, and by his first miion had seven 
children, three of whom are living. In 1840 he 
was united with Miss Margaret Hubbard, who 
was born in Ohio in 181 3, and by whom he had 
two children. Benjamin, who is living on the 
home farm, was born Augu.st to, 1842, on the 
old farm, and October 28, 1868, married Mar- 
garet A. McGinnis;they have three children, Jean- 
nette, Sarah E. and Thomas P. Emanuel was 
born May 20, 1S44; he married Isabel Reed, by 
whom he has four children, namely: Mary, John, 
Eveline and Margaret. Mrs. Hites is beloved 
by all who know her, and is in excellent health 
for one of her years. 

The religious convictions of Mr. Hites were 
w'ith the Lutheran Church, and he was a devoted 
adherent of that faith. After the organization 
of the Republican party he identified himself 
with that organization, which he supported until 
death. He pa.ssed from earth in 1877, and was 
buried in Roundhead Cemetery. In all public 
enterprises he was a leader, and was held in high 
regard by his fellow-men for his energetic manage- 
ment of his affairs, his progressive ideas regard- 
ing agriculture, and the honorable way in which 
he carried on business. 



n A. WOLEORl). The pleasant and progress- 
I ive little city of Marion has among its citi- 
C*/ zens many who might perhaps be called self- 
made, but among them all none is more de.serv- 
ing of the adjective than the gentleman with 
whose name we introduce this sketch. Not only 
did he start in the race of life handicapped by 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



397 



poverty, but he was still more burdened by the 
lack of an education. Against tliese heavy odds, 
however, he has triumphed, and stands to-day an 
example of what a man may accomplish if he be 
possessed of intelligence, strong common sense, 
and a fixed ambition to fill a better place in life 
than the niche which fate at first seemed to have 
intended for him. 

Though born in this country, J. A. Wolford is 
of German descent. His father, John Wolford, 
was born in the Fatherland, in the picturesque 
old fortified town of Wittenberg, where he lived 
until reaching his twelfth year. Then, his par- 
ents deciding to emigrate to America, he accom- 
panied them. The lot of the faniilj' after their 
arrival in this country was one of many trials and 
hardships, the country being new, the necessities 
of life dear, and their ignorance of the customs 
and language of the strange land acting as a bar- 
rier to their speedy prosperity. John Wolford 
shared his parents' lot, and at his death, when 
our subject was quite young, left his son heir to 
little or nothing. He had married Miss Louisa R. 
Gephart, who came of the sturdy Dutch stock of 
Pennsylvania, whcse characteristics of energy 
and self-reliance her .son seems to have inherited 
in no small degree. Alter her husband's death 
she married again, this union being with a broth- 
er of her former husljand. 

The liirth of J. A. Wolford took place on a 
farm one mile west of Green Camp, in this coun- 
t}-, March 15, 1853, and of his father's marriage 
lie is the onl\' lixing child. He spent his earh' 
life on the farm, tloing the drudgery that general- 
1\- falls to the lot of farmers' suns, and receiving 
up to the age of nineteen years little mure educa- 
tion than most bo\s often or twelve are now pos- 
sessed of. However, at that age the desire for 
an education that should better fit him for the 
duties of life seized him, and Ijn- carefully saving 
his earnings he was able to enter Hillsdale ( Mich.) 
College. Here by hard work and constant appli- 
cation to his studies he completed the seven-years 
classical course in five years and a-half, receiving 
the degree of A. B. in 1877, and three years later 
that of A. M. His expenses through college 
were defrayed by working morning and evening. 



sawing wood, running errands, etc., he Ijeing, in 
fact, not too proud to do anxthing to carry out 
the desire of his heart. In 1876 he began read- 
ing law in the office of J. F. McNeal, in Marion, 
his course of study in college having been selected 
with a view to carrying on the legal profession. 
In 1878 he was admitted to the Bar, and in Janu- 
ary, 1879, he became partner in the office of his 
preceptor, under the firm name of McNeal & 
Wolford. The partnership continued until Jan- 
uary, 1894, when he withdrew from the firm and 
ojiened an office of his own. 

The establishment of himself in business on his 
own account marks an era in Mr. Wolford's life, 
as Irom that time on his success was rapid and 
assured. The .self-reliance he was called upon to 
exercise in his new capacity developed his facul- 
ties and put him on his mettle. Case after case 
came to him, and the zeal and ability with which 
he conducted them established his reputation not 
only in Marion, but in the surrounding towns and 
country as well. Soon the different commercial 
enterprises and corporations of the town and 
vicinity began to seek his services, and he has al- 
ready done more work of this class than some 
lawyers are called upon to do in the whole course 
of their careers. The Huber Manufacturing 
Company, the Marion Steam Shovel Company, 
the Electric Light Company, the Stieet Railway 
Company, the Marion Tool Company, and the 
Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank, in all of which 
concerns he is a stockholder, retain his services 
as attorney. 

November i, 1877, while .still only a law stu- 
dent, Mr. Wolford was married, his bride being 
Mi.ss Mary A. Johnston, of Hillsdale, Mich., and 
a member of the same graduating class as himself 
from the college of that town. With some women, 
perhaps, a marriage at such a time, when the fu- 
ture was by no means sure, might have been a 
hazardous undertaking, but Mr. Wolford renders 
his wife the pleasant compliment of saying that 
she has been the greatest incentive and aid in his 
work that any man was ever blessed with. A 
woman of intelligence, gifted with tact and a 
kindly heart, she has been able to smooth many a 
difficulty in her husband's jiath, and win for her- 



39S 



PORTRAIT AND EIOGRAPIIICAL RECORD. 



self the kindly regard of all who know her. One 
child has been born of this marriage, a daughter, 
Hattie May. 

Mr. Wolford has been almost too bii.sy a man 
to take a very active part in the politics of his 
vicinity, but always casts his vote for the Repub- 
lican party, and does what he can in a quiet way 
to further its interests. Knowing so well the 
necessity of a well managed .school system, he has 
felt it his duty when elected to serve on the Board 
of Education, and has been a member several 
terms. The Masonic order is the only order to 
which he belongs. In this he was Master of the 
blue lodge for two years, and he has also been 
High Priest of the chapter for five years. 



I OT I. H.\TCI1I".R. In the course of his 
It active and useful career Mr. Hatcher earned 
|_2r a'l enviable reputation as an enterprising 
agriculturist, con.siderate friend, efficient citizen 
and .self-reliant man. His pilgrimage on earth cov- 
ered a period of sixty-six years. His life was filled 
with good deeds and generous acts, to which his 
friends now recur with pleasure. He left in the 
hearts of his family and acquaintances the imper- 
ishable memory of his good name, more enduring 
than monuments of marble or brass. 

The parents of our subject, James and Sarah 
fRay) Hatcher, were natives of Virginia, whence 
they came to Ohio and were numbered among 
the earliest settlers of Logan County. With the 
early history of that part of the state they were 
clo.sely identified, and there the\- continued to re- 
side until death. Their family consi.sted of eleven 
children, five of whom survive. Lot L, who was 
the fifth in order of birth, was a native of Logan 
County, Ohio, his birth having occurred Januarj- 
27, 1S24. He grew to manhood in Champaign 
County, and in youth learned the trade of a tan- 
ner, at which he was emi)loyed in West Liberty 
for a mnnber of years. 



April 29, 1847, Mr. Hatcher married Sarah J. 
Stevenson, who was born in Logan County, Ohio, 
December 22, 1830. She is one of twelve chil- 
dren (seven of whom are living) who comprised 
the family of James and Unity (New) Stevenson, 
natives of Virginia. Ten children were born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Hatcher, namely: Augusta, born 
October 23, 1849, deceased; James L., born on 
the 15th of March, 1852, who died aged thirty- 
five years; William H., born Augu.st 22, 1857, 
al-so deceased; Silas A., born September 17, 1859; 
Mary J., July 22, 1862; Harriet E., April 14, 
1865; Florence, May 28, 1867; Daniel Wade, De- 
cember 17, 1S69; Clara, April i, 1872; and Salina, 
October 25, 1874. 

Coming to Hardin County in the fall of 1856, 
Mr. Hatcher bought two hundred acres in Tay- 
lor Creek Townsiiip, and made his home upon 
that place about nine months. His next pur- 
chase consisted of fifty-nine acres of unimproved 
land, upon which he first built a log cabhi of one 
room. Moving into the house, he at once began 
the task of clearing the land. As time pa.ssed 
by the value of the place was greatly increased 
through his energetic and skillful labors. He 
opened new roads, removed stumps, fertilized the 
soil, erected suitable buildings, bought modern 
machinery, divided the land into fields and past- 
ures of convenient size, arid in many other ways 
improved the place. There he continued to re- 
side until his death, which occurred August 23, 
1890. His body was interred in the cemetery 
near his home. 

The early education of Mr. Hatcher was very 
limited. His entire attendance at school did not 
exceed three months. Yet in spite of disadvant- 
ages he gained a breadth of information excelled 
by few of the present day. Politically he advo- 
cated Reiniblican principles, but never .sought nor 
desired public office. His religious connections 
were with the Di.sciples, and he was ever faithful 
to the doctrines of that organization. Interested 
in educational advantages, he did all in his power 
to secure for others the opportunities denied to 
himself He aided in organizing schools in his 
town.ship, and for several years .served as School 
Director. 




l-KANCIS li. SI.AC.I.H 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



401 



Since the death of our subject, his son, D. \V., 
has had charge of the old homestead, the iin- 
l)rovenients ot which he has maintained at their 
former high standard. He is a young man of 
ability, and has spent his entire life upon the 
place where he now makes his home. Politically 
a Republican, he takes a commendable interest in 
public matters and co-operates in all progres.sive 
enterprises. His marriage took place in Coving- 
ton, Ky., Decemlier i, 1S93, his wife being Sa- 
rah Maude Reams, who was born March 22, 
1S76. She is one of six children (all but one of 
whom are still living) who comprised the family 
of Joseph and Elizabeth Reams, natives of Har- 
din County. Mr. and Mrs. Hatcher are enter- 
prising young jseople, and are popular in the so- 
cial circles of Taylor Creek Township. 



G^ 



-^"> 



'C7- 



^ 



r~RANCIS B. SI.AGLE. Of this pioneer of 
rd Hardin County, it may be said that he has 
I literally hewed his fortune out of the timber 
with an axe. Always a man of great energy and 
jierseverance, he has gained success through his 
luiaided efforts. On reaching his majority he 
rented a farm, which he continued to lease for 
eleven years. At the expiration of that time he 
bought two lunidred acres of timber-land in 
Pleasant Township, of which thirt}' acres were 
cleared, and the only other improvement was a 
log cabin. After the war he purchased one hun- 
dred and sixty acres, on which one of his sons is 
now living. To another son he gave an eighty- 
acre tract on the pike. To two daughters he gave 
forty acres each, and to another he gave $2,000, 
in addition to which he gave each $100 on be- 
ginning housekeeping. Besides this he gave to 
one of his daughters a tract of fifty-six acres near 
Patterson, Ohio. In the spring of 1895 he gave 
each of his seven children $500. It will thus be 
seen that he has accumulated enough not only to 
provide the comforts of life for his declining years, 
15 



but also to give his sons and daughters a good 
start in life. His homestead is a pleasant place, 
and is situated on section 14, Pleasant Township. 

The parents of our subject, Joseph and Marga- 
ret ( Monnette) Slagle, were married in Virginia. 
His father was born in Maryland, but for many 
years lived in the (_)ld Dominion, where he kept 
a tavern for fifteen years or more. In 1S23 he 
.settled ill Pickaway County, Ohio, and some 
twelve years later moved to Ross Count)', where 
his death occurred about 1856. Francis B. vSla- 
gle was born in Hampshire County, Va., Febru- 
ary- 25, 1 82 I. He was reared principally in Pick- 
away and Ro.ss Counties, Ohio, and received verj- 
limited advantages in the way of an education. 
There were no free schools in the days of his 
>-outh, and the only opportunity he had of at- 
tending school was while living in Eagle Town- 
ship, Ross County. 

While there, March 9, 1848, Mr. Slagle mar- 
ried Nancy Comer, who was born in Ro.ss Coun- 
ty, November 30, 1S18. Her parents were Jesse 
and Annie (Raines) Comer, natives of North 
Carolina. To Mr. and Mrs. .Slagle were born 
eight children, as follows: Robert, who lives on 
the pike near Grant; Isaac, who is farming on 
section 13, this township; Emsa Jane, wile of 
John Evans, of Buck Township; Margaret Ann, 
wife of Rev. Fred Miller, now living near Toledo; 
Elizabeth, who married Joseph Heffelfinger, and 
lives on the Miller Pike, seven and one-half miles 
east of Kenton; Mar^-, who married Eee Holmes, 
and resides five miles south of Kenton; William, 
who lives near his father's homestead; and Ida, 
who died at the age of three years. 

Mr. Slagle has always been very active, having 
been bles.sed with a splendid constitution, and 
has cleared altogether two hundred and fifty 
acres. At the age of seventy years it was no ef- 
fort for him to jump from the ground upon the 
back of a hor.se, and when his neighbors call to 
see him in the daytime he is frequently to be 
found industriously working away in the timber, 
though he is now in his seventy-fifth year. In 
politics he is a stanch Republican, and for some 
sixteen years was School Director and also Road 
Supervisor. During the existence of the Good 



402 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPIllCAL RPXORD. 



Templars' Society here he was a member of the 
organization. Religiously he and his wife are 
meml>ers of the Methodist Church of Pleasant 
Grove, and by all who know them they are held 
in the highest honor and respect. 



<y;4^^.^^.^.^.^. ■!.»»•;. jg^.}.4..i-i-{..H"H"Hi--i-X> 



ILLIAMJ. McCLAREN, Roadmaster 
of the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad, 
with headquarters at Kenton, was born 
near Mt. Gilead, Morrow County, Ohio, Novem- 
ber 25, 1859. He is the son of Robert and 
Martha McClaren, the former a native of Edin- 
burgh, Scotland, and a farmer by occupation, 
though for some time he held the position 
of foreman on the Big Four and the Toledo 
& Ohio Central Railroads. At the present time 
he makes his home in Hardin County, where he 
owns a large and well improved farm. 

The boyhood years of the subject of this sketch 
were passed in Morrow County, and after com- 
pleting the studies of the common .schools he en- 
tered a Presbyterian college in his native county, 
where he remained for a short time. At the age 
of fifteen his railroad career commenced. Enter- 
ing the employ of the Big Four Railroad, he re- 
mained with that company until 1880, at which 
time he was made foreman on the Toledo & 
Ohio Central Railroad, his headquarters being at 
Edison, Ohio. His superior ability being recog- 
nized by the officials of the road, he was pro- 
moted to the responsible position of Roadmaster 
of the entire division of the road, and in this 
capacity he has rendered efficient and successful 
service for the past six years. His former head- 
quarters were at Bowling Green, but in 1893 he 
removed to Kenton, where he has since made his 
home. Though his residence here covers a com- 
paratively short period only, he has already be- 
come well and favorably known to the people of 
the locality, and is recognized as a progressive 
and energetic man. 

In addition to his city property, Mr. McClaren 



is the owner of a fine farm situated five miles 
from Kenton, the cultivation of which he person- 
ally superintends. His posses-sions are the result 
of his own unaided efforts, and prove his skillful 
management and business ability. During his long 
railroad service he has accumulated a valuable 
property- and is now well-to-do. His first marriage, 
which was solemnized in 1884, resulted in the 
birth of two children, Mattie and Imo. After 
the death of his first wife, he was united with 
Mi.ss Lucj- Barrown, of Kenton. 

To all measures calculated to promote the well- 
fare of the people Mr. McClaren gives his allegi- 
ance, and while advancing his personal interests 
has also promoted the prosperity of his city and 
county. Socially he has fraternal relations with 
the Knights of Pythias. When starting out for 
himself, at the age of fifteen, he had nothing but 
industry and energy to recommend him, but with 
the.se qualifications he has placed himself upon a 
solid financial footing and gained the confidence 
of his fellow -citizens. 



3++++ tfffi/a&'H-H' i — - 



-++++ ^^ •S-+-5-+F 



ILLIAM I,. RAUB, President of the Larue 
Bank, and one of the most successful agri- 
culturi.sts of Bowling Green Township, 
Marion County, was born in Mercer County, Pa., 
October 27, 1833. He is the fourth among six 
children constituting the family of Henry and 
Hannah (Aultmanj Raub. Elizabeth, his eldest 
sister, died when twenty-three years of age; Eli 
is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Wood 
County, Ohio; Henry, a miller by trade, resided 
at Bucyrus, Ohio; Samuel died in California, Jan- 
uary 23, 1895, when fifty-eight years old; An- 
drew J., who was a soldier in the late war, was 
twice wounded, and lost his mind as the result of 
his injuries. 

The father of our subject was born and reared 
in Pennsylvania, but removed from there to Ohio 
about 1840, and, settling in Knox County, pur- 
cha.scd a tract of land, upon which he eivgaged in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



403 



farm work. There his death occurred when he 
was sixty-eight years old. Politically he was a 
Democrat, and took a warm interest in local af- 
fairs. For a time he served a.s Captain of the 
militia. From his youth he was a devoted and 
faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, to 
which he contributed generously, as he also did 
to those in need. He was a man of rugged 
strength of character, and his memory is cher- 
ished as that of a good man. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was a 
soldier in the War of 1812. Plis entire active life 
was devoted to farm work in Pennsylvania, where 
he and his wife were born. The family origin- 
ated in Germany, but has long been represented 
in the United States. Our subject's mother was 
born in Pennsylvania, and died in Marion, when 
sixty-eight years old; her father was an emigrant 
from Germany, and her mother a native of Penn- 
sylvania. 

Remaining on the home farm until he was eight- 
een years old, our subject was then given his time 
l>y his father, after which he worked on a farm in 
Knox County by the month. In 1861 he came 
to Marion County, where he was employed as a 
farm laborer for two years. Saving his earnings, 
he started out for himself and rented the old Major 
La Rue Farm in Montgomery Township, where 
he remained for three years. His first purchase 
consisted of sixty-nine acres where he now lives, 
and by his wife he received forty-four acres in 
1866. Working energetically and with persever- 
ance, he has gained a solid footing among the 
prosperous agriculturists of the county. 

Januaiy 19, 1865, Mr. Raub married Mi.ss Jane 
Baldwin, of Bowling Green Township, and they 
have made their home on this place ever since 
their union. Eleven children have been born to 
them, namely: James H., an enterprising young 
farmer of Bowling Green Township; Emma, wife 
of Isaac S. Guthery, of this town.ship; Ella and 
Lillian, who are popular young ladies and suc- 
cessful teachers of Marion County; Susie, a stu- 
dent in Valparaiso (Ind.j College; Silas A., who 
is also attending Valparaiso College; George W. , 
who is conducting his studies in the district 
schools; Dessie and Maud, the youngest of the 



family, to whom will be given the best educa- 
tional advantages in future years. Romma died 
in infanc)', as did also one who was unnamed. 

Politically a Democrat, Mr. Raub is one of the 
leading men of his party in the county, and at 
different times has been chosen to serve in posi- 
tions of trust and honor. He served for some 
time as Trustee of the vSchool Board. He also 
sen-ed as Township Treasurer for a period of fif- 
teen years, and for two terms was County Com- 
missioner. He is a member of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church and a generous contributor 
to its good works. His success proves that he 
possesses more than ordinary ability, for he came 
to this county without means and commenced as 
a farm hand, but he has steadily worked his way 
onward until he is now the owner of six hundred 
and .sevent\-fi\e acres of good land in Bowling 
Green Township. In addition to this he holds 
stock in the Larue Bank, a private institution, of 
which he is President. Both as banker and as 
an agriculturi.st he has been successful, and his 
course in life has been such as to commend him 
to the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. 



-^m-r 



'^p^■!► 



30HN A. UNCAPHER, who owns a valuable 
farm of one hundred acres on section 34^ 
Big Island Township, Marion County, is a 
man who possesses the entire confidence and re- 
spect of all his neighbors and acquaintances, and 
tlius merits special mention in this volume. For 
three years he was a Trustee, and during the past 
ten years has been School Director. 

Joseph Uncapher, father of our subject, was 
born in Penn.sylvania July 12, 1809, and emigrat- 
ed to Ohio in 1832, making his home on a farm in 
Marion Township from that time until his death, 
April 12, 1894. He was the architect of his own 
fortunes, as he began with nothing, but finally be- 
came the owner of three hundred and sixteen 
acres of improved land. Always ready to do his 
share towards the upbuilding of the community. 



404 



PORTRAIT AM) I'.IOGRAl'lIICAL RECORD. 



he frequently served as School Director and Su- 
pervisor. In politics he was a Democrat. Always 
glad to assist the needy and deserving, his life 
was in accord with his Chri.stian profession, and 
he was a worker in the Presbyterian Church. In 
1837 he married Rebecca Stoneberger, who bore 
him the following children: Daniel, a resident of 
Marion; Isaac, who died in infancy; Silas; Da- 
rius; Thomas J. ; John A. ; Hiram L. ; and one who 
died in infancy. The mother departed this life 
April 24, 1892, and was buried in Marion Cem- 
etery. 

John A. Uncapher was born August 8, 1850, 
in Marion Township, and lived with his parents 
until reaching his majority. The day after that 
event he purchased one hundred acres of land 
and embarked in farming on his own account. 
The money with which he paid for this tract had 
been earned by him and carefully saved. At 
that lime the farm bore little resemblance to the 
finely improved one that it is to-day, and the sole 
credit for the change is due to Mr. Uncapher's 
indu.strj-. In addition to this he owns a piece of 
his father's old farm, adjacent to the limits of 
Marion, 

February- 27, 1877, J. A. Uncapher married 
Phoebe J. Cunnnins, who was born July 23, 1859. 
Her twin brother, William, is now decea.sed. Of 
her other brothers and sisters we note the follow- 
ing: Jacob B., born December 20, 1844, is a resi- 
dent of Green Camp Town.ship; William B., de- 
ceased, was born August 20, 1846; Mary J., who 
was born February 28, 1848, is now deceased; 
John C. , born February 20, 1 850, is living in Green 
Camp Township; Jonathan C, deceased, was born 
Januarj- 4, 1855; Eunice Wenona, born Februar)' 
27, 1856, is the wife of T. L. Sifritt, a farm- 
er of Green Camp; and Susan K., Mrs. W. H. 
Somerlot, was born July 15, 1857. The par- 
ents of this family were William and Mary (Ber- 
ry) Cummins, natives of \'irginia. The former 
was an early settler in this region, and for years 
was engaged in merchandising in Green Camp. 
He was born January 14, 1820, and his wife was 
born July 21, 1824. 

Three children brighten tlie home of Mr. and 
Mrs. Uncapher, viz.: William II., born February 



12, 1878; Jessie B., born November 13, 1879; and 
Floyd T., March 12, 1891. The family attends 
the Free-Will Baptist Church and takes part in all 
worthy charities. In politics our subject is a 
Democrat. 



'^ 






Gl DAM IIIBNER, the owner of the homestead 
Li on which he yet makes his abode, is one of 
/ I the sturdy old pioneers of Washington Town- 
ship, Hardin Comity. He is a worthy represent- 
ative of the best cla.ss of the German-American 
citizens, than whom there cannot be found better 
patriots in this, their adopted country. 

The birth of Mr. Hibner occurred Novendier 
30, 1813, on a farm in Germany, and there his 
boyhood passed quietly. When he was about 
eighteen years old he connnenced learning the 
weaver's trade, and to this branch of business he 
gave his energies for many years. In 1847 h^ 
embarked on a sailing-vessel bound for America, 
and reached these hospitable shores thirty days 
later. Proceeding to Cohnnbus, Ohio, he was 
given work on a farm near by, and thus spent 
the next three years. He bought the farm where 
he now resides, on section 34, in 1S52, and re- 
moved hither five years subsequently. The en- 
tire tract of eighty acres was then covered with 
thick forests, and the new proprietor set to work 
with a strong determination to succeed u\ making 
a good farm in spite of all difficulties. Besides 
his other work, he managed to clear from five to 
ten acres a year, ox-teams being used to haul 
away the logs. A log cabin with clapboard roof 
and puncheon floor was the home of the family 
for .seventeen years, but in time a more commo- 
dious structure was built. 

June 15, 1S56, Mr. Hibner married Emma 
Slaadt, who was born in Germany, January 5, 
1835, and came to America in 1854. This union 
was graced with three children: Jeannette, Mary 



PORTRAIT AND BIOCxRAPHICAL RECORD. 



405 



E. and Adam. The parents are members of the 
Lutheran denomination, and are interested in all 
relig^ions and charitable enterprises. 

As he started out in life without a dollar, Mr. 
Hibneris truly a self-made man, for he has mainly 
himself to thank for the measure of prosperity 
that he now enjoys. In his political belief he is 
a Democrat. 



^J 






GlNDRlUV M. WIUJAMS was one of tlie 
LI early jiinneers of Marion Count}', and for 
/ I thirt>' years conducted a grocery and general 
store in the \-illage of Claridon. He possessed 
unusual business ability, was strictly honorable 
and just in all his dealings, and won the entire 
respect of his fellow-citizens. He was an active 
worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, and 
took great interest in whatever pertained to the 
IHiblic welfare. Beginning his career a poor boy, 
without capital or assistance of an>- kind, he 
achieved prosperitN- and success through his own 
individual efforts. 

Our subject was of Irish descent, and was born 
in the Keystone State, March 8, i.s^j, his par- 
ents being Andrew and Mary (Allison) Williams, 
lie was born and reared on a farm and early 
learned the duties pertaining thereto. While he 
was still a small boy he came to this county and 
grew to manhood in Claridon Town.shij). 

The first active business of Mr. W'illiamson his 
own account was in a .saw and grist mill of this 
town.ship, in which he was employed for some 
time. About 185(1 he had acquired sufficient cap- 
ital to end)ark in business for him.self in a small 
way, an<l, purchasing a stock of goods, opened a 
store, which he thenceforth carried on. Sociallv 
he was identified with the Masonic order, with 
which he held membership for many years. He 
also belonged to the Methodist denomination, and 
contributed liberally of his means to church work. 
After a life of usefulness and activilv he was 



called to his final rest, February 22, 1886, and 
was buried in Claridon Cemetery. 

March 8, 1844, Mr. Williams married Miss 
Susan Owens, who was born (.)ctober 15, 1827, 
in Fairfield County, Ohio, and who is a daugh- 
ter of William and Cerena ( \'anwy ) Owens. Mr. 
and Mrs. Williams became the parents of the fol- 
lowing children: Sarah J., Mrs. Frank Molsier; 
Henry, deceased: Annie L., wife of William War- 
wick; William, who is a resident of Caledonia: 
George, whose home is in tliis township; Mary, 
deceased; Perry, who married Eva Underwood, 
and resides on the old homestead; Martha, de- 
ceased; Flora, Mrs. Irey; aiuKSusan, who married 
James UUom, proprietor of the tile factory of 
Clariilon. The family are intelligent and re- 
spected members of the several connnunities in 
which they dwell, and are ujiright, industrious 
citi/.eus. 



y /j I'TI' LLUS THOMSON was b.irn and 
y reared in the town of Kenton, where he 
CS has led a ])usy and useful life. Leaving 
school at an early age, he commenced to work in 
a dry -goods store, and in this line of business he 
has continued ever since. He is now at the head 
of the Metellus Thonrson I )r\-Ooods Company, 
of Kenton and Lima, Ohio, a firm which emi)loys 
sixty-eight persons and carries on an exten.sive 
trade. The business of the firm, in its entirety, 
compares lavorably with that of any mercantile 
establishment in the larger cities of the state, 
leaving Cleveland and Cincinnati out of the com- 
parison. 

Metellus Thomson is a son of the late David 
Thomson, a veteran of the Ci\il War, where he 
served with distinction. He took part in sixteen 
hard-fought battles, in the larger number of which 
he commanded the Eighty-second Regiment. In 
the memorable engagement at Gettysburg he 
commanded a brigade, and for his gallant services 
in that battle he was breveted Brigadier-General 
by act of Congress, and was presented with a 



4o6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



magnificent sword by the privates and noncom- 

missioned officers of his regiment. Wlien a boy 
twelve years of age, MeteUus Thomson was sent 
for by his father, who was in the anny at the 
time, and spent five months witli the Eighty- 
second Regiment, riding through the valleys and 
over the mountains of western Virginia, and 
passing part of the time in that beautiful .scope of 
country between W'ashington and Mana.ssas, then 
the .scene of bloody war. The sights witnessed 
in tho.ie five months form a very interesting chap- 
ter in his life. 

Metellus Thomson married a daughter of Gen. 
M. B. Walker, and their union was bles.sed by 
the birth of four children, three sons and a daugh- 
ter. The eldest, Theodore, a boy of eight years, 
is a regular attendant at the Kenton union schools 
and the Methodist Sunday-school, and is a mem- 
ber of the Epworth Guards. 



{(§), ^im^.. .(^J 



II.l.IA.M II. GOSSARD has passed the 
greater part of his life on his present home- 
stead in McDonald Township, Hardin 
County. He is a practical and thrifty agricult- 
urist and deser\'es the respect which is freely ac- 
corded him as a good business man and as a citi- 
zen. The cau.se of education finds in him a true 
friend, and for eighteen years he has served as 
School Director, using his influence on behalf of 
good facilities for the rising generation. He is a 
veteran of the War of the Rebellitm, and is a 
member of the Grand Army of the Republic. 

Our subject's parents were Adam and Jane 
(McGowenj Gossard, the former of whom was of 
German descent, and a native of Ross County, 
Ohio, while the latter was of Irish descent. To 
this worthy couple four children were born : 
William H.; Francis, who was a soldier in Com- 
pany A, One Hundred and Kighty-third Ohio 



Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Franklin, 
November 30, 1864; Nicholas, deceased; and 
Jane, wife of T. W. John.son. 

Adam Gos.sard made his life occupation that of 
farming. For years he owned and operated a 
homestead in Ross County, and later one in 
Fayette County, Ohio. In the fall of 1846 he 
removed to this county, settling in McDonald 
Township, where he bought one hundred acres 
of land, only fifteen acres having been cleared. 
The log cabin of one room which he then occupied 
is yet standing. His death occurred in Logan 
County, October 17,. 1888, and his remains were 
laid in Roundhead Cemetery. He was a member 
of the Presbyterian Cliurch, and fraternally was a 
Mason. 

The birth of William H. Gossard took place in 
Fayette County, December 21, 1836, and when 
he was in his tenth year he came to this section 
with his father. Growing to man's estate on the 
farm which he now owns, he received a fair edu- 
cation, and was trained in industry and faithful- 
ness to duty. At the age of twenty-six years he 
moved upon another farm in this township and 
cultivated the place eight years, when he returned 
to the old farm, which he has managed ever since. 
He makes a specialty of raising fine sheep, cattle 
and horses. 

September 22, 1864, Mr. Gossard enli.sted in 
Company A, One Hundred and Eighty-third Ohio 
Infantry, being mustered in at Sandu.sky. His 
first engagement was at Franklin, the next at 
Nashville, and then followed one near Raleigh, 
and many lesser battles. He was granted an 
honorable discharge June 6, 1S65, and returned 
to peaceful avocations. 

September 24, 1863, Mr. Go.s.sard married Mary 
C. Cocklin, who was born in Cumberland County, 
Pa., October 17, 1844. She is of German ances- 
try, and came to this state with her parents in 
1845. Four children were born to our subject 
and wife: Jennie, 'now residing at home with her 
parents; Adam, who died at the age of five years; 
Olive L., who is still residing at home; and 
Howard, also at home, working on the farm and 
attending school. The family are members of 
the Presbyterian Church, and are interested in all 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



407 



chaiilies worthy of their support. Mr. Go.ssard 
uses his i'ranchise in behalf of the Republican 
party, and the only public office that he has ever 
been induced to accept, aside from that of School 
Director, was that i)f Trustee, which he held four 
\-ears. 



GIrCIIIBALD HOPKINS. A residence of 
LA (iver seventy years in Marion County makes 
/ I cif Mr. Hopkins one of its oldest citizens. 
He makes his home on section 5, Big Island 
Township, in the \icinily of which he was born 
October 26, 1S24. His estate, although not as 
large as some, is cultivated in such a manner 
that the owner derives an income equal to that of 
farmers who have much larger tracts of land. 

Robert and Nancy (Vezy) Hopkins, the par- 
ents of our subject, were natives of Delaware, the 
former being born in 1794, and the latter Octo- 
ber 5, 1796. The father was only three \ears old 
when he was brought hither by his parents, and, 
growing to mature years here, became prominent 
in the political life of his community. He was a 
very popular and plea.sant gentleman, and at one 
time represented his county in the Senate, being 
elected on the Democratic ticket He also served 
one term in the Lower House. The grandfather 
of our subject, John Hopkins, was well-to-do 
financially, and was thus enabled to give his son 
advantages which he could never have had other- 
wise. The family of which the latter was a mem- 
ber included si.x children, his brothers and sisters 
being William, Kli/.abeth, Ruth, Lydia and Arch- 
ibald. 

To Robert and Nancy Hopkins were given 
nine children, of whom .Sanuiel, the eklest, was 
born November S, 18 14; Ii;iizabeth was born 
February 26, 1S17, and married Jcshua Cope; 
William was born August 23, 1S19; John F., 
October 4, 1S21; Archibald, as we have already 
stated, was born in 1824: David, September 13, 
1827; Robert, February 8, 1830; Elsie, who was 
born August 26, 1832, married John McElvy; 



and Nancy A., born Januar>' 29, 1S38, is now 
the wife of Dr. Copeland, a prominent physician 
of Montgomery Township, this county. The par- 
ents of this family were married January 8, 1814, 
and were .separated by the death of the husband, 
October 15, 1864. He served as a soldier in the 
War of 18 1 2, and posse-ssed the unlimited con- 
fidence of all who knew him. His wife survived 
until December 27, 188 1, when .she, too, passed 
awa\-. The father was a good financier, and left 
at his decease a valual.)le estate, which was di- 
vided among his children. He was one of the 
active members of the Free- Will Baptist Church, 
and few men were more popular than he. 

Up to the age of sixteen years our subject was 
a very active and studious lad, but about this 
lime his eyesight began to fail rapidly, and he 
soon lost it altogether. By consulting eminent 
oculists, however, and receiving the best treat- 
ment possible, tliis sense was jiartially restored, 
although his eyes have been ver\- weak and would 
never stand any strain upon them. 

April 14, 1853, Mr. Hopkins was married to 
Cordelia E. Higgins, and for a time the young 
couple made their home with his parents. He 
was deprived of the companionship of his wife 
after eleven months, and for seven 5'ears lived 
with his father and mother. He was then mar- 
ried to Alvira Brockett, who survived their union 
only three years. Fourteen years later, April 
21, 1879, he cho.se for his third companion Mary 
P. Langdon, the daughter of William and Ln- 
cinda (Potter) Langdon. Her father was born 
acro.ss the seas in Scotland, whence he came to 
America, and was afterward married in New 
York, the native state of Miss Potter. Mr. Lang- 
don died when his daughter Mary w'as young, 
but her mother survived him many years, reach- 
ing the age of threescore and ten years before 
her death. 

On the death of his father, Mr. Hopkins came 
into possession of his portion of the home place, 
on which he now resides. He has had a great 
deal of trouble all his life with his eyes, and to 
this affliction has been added that of palsy during 
his later years. He pos.sesses a wonderful mem- 
orv, and can relate manv an interesting tale of 



4o8 



PORTRAIT AND lilOGRAPIl'CM. IMCORD. 



pioneer daj-s. He is connected by membership 
with the Free-Will Baptist Church, in which he 
has been Deacon and Clerk. He is a strong Pro- 
hibitionist in politics, and gives the weight of 
his influence in extending its borders in this 
county. 



(Jacob KANZIG. within the past half-cen- 
I turj' large numbers have emigrated to this 
(2/ country from Europe, seeking in our own 
land the prosperity for which they had vainly 
striven in the Old World. Those who have 
brought with them qualities of energy, determin- 
ation, perseverance and honesty have never had 
occasion to regret their change of residence, for 
they have found here both home and friends. 
Among this class we mention Jacob Kanzig, well 
known in Hardin County as the owner of a good 
farm on section 33, Goshen Township. His es- 
tate includes one hundred and sixty acres, a por- 
tion of which is devoted to the raising of cereals, 
while the remainder is utilized as pasture-land for 
his stock. He has made a specialty of the latter 
branch of agriculture, and has upon his place a 
large number of Shropshire sheep, Shorthorn cat- 
tle and Poland-China hogs, upon which he has 
taken many premiums at fairs. 

The canton of Berne, Switzerland, his birth- 
place, and April 18, 1829, his natal day, the sub- 
ject of this sketch is the eldest of the five children 
of Jacob and Barbara (Solbarger) Kanzig. He 
is the only survivor of the family, except An- 
drew, a carpenter at Lima, Ohio. His father, 
whose trade was al.so that of a carpenter, brought 
his family to America in 1852, and with them set- 
tled in Licking County, Ohio. His death oc- 
curred at the age of seventy-three years. For 
twelve j-ears he was almost totally blind. His 
wife passed away when fifty-nine, and their 
bodies lie side by side in a cemetery in Wyandot 
County. 

The youthful years of our snlyect were passed 



beneath the parental roof in Switzerland, and, de- 
veloping traits of self-reliance, at an earlj- age he 
learned the trades of carpenter and cooper, and 
also became interested in the dairj^ business. 
While .still a single man he came to America, and 
July 28, 185 1, landed in New York, the voyage 
across on the French ship "St. John" having 
consumed six weeks. After his arrival in this 
countrj- he came to Ohio and secured work in a 
foundry at New Philadelphia, but soon afterward 
went to Columbus and commenced to work at the 
trade of a carpenter. 

In Februarj-, 1855, Mr. Kanzig came to Hardin 
County and settled in Jackson Township, where 
for eight j-ears he leased land and followed the 
occupations of farmer and carpenter. Removing 
to Wyandot County in 1863, he cultivated a rent- 
ed fami there, but in 1865 returned to Hardin 
County and leased farming land in Goshen Town- 
.ship, continuing in that waj- for eleven years. 
Meantime he saved his earnings, being economi- 
cal as well as industrious, and finally accumulated 
a sufficient amount to enable him to purchase a 
place of his own. He has since continued to re- 
side on his present farm, on which, in 1876, he 
built a small but comfortable and conveniently 
arranged residence. In 1883 he built his large, 
handsome brick residence, in which he now re- 
sides. 

The marriage of Mr. Kanzig, August 12, 1852, 
united him with Miss Elizabeth lianker. Of 
their children we note the following: Elizabeth 
is the wife of Samuel Kuniley, a merchant of 
Pfeiffer, Hardin County; Rosie married Fred 
Furrer, a farmer of this county; Sarah, Mrs. 
Fred Sherman, lives upon a farm in Goshen 
Township; Emaline is the wife of Fred Sagacer, 
of Kenton; Rachael married Jacob Feaster, a 
farmerof this county; Caroline, Mrs. Sanuiel Ra- 
ber, resides on a farm here; Louisa is married to 
Henry Siler, an agriculturist of this county; J. 
Andrew died at eleven years of age; Gusta is the 
wife of Conrad Bopp, who owns a farm in this 
county; Maggie is the wife of Henry Magley; 
and Jacob W. and Josephine are with their par- 
ents. 

In political views Mr. Kanzig is a Democrat, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



411 



but is not a Free Trader. He is not narrow in 
liis opinions, conceding to others the freedom of 
thought and action he demands for liimself For 
fifteen years he has been coiniected with the Agri- 
cultural Board, and is now its oldest surviving 
member. He is a memljer of the German Re- 
formed Church, and takes an interest in the work 
of that denomination. Besides general farm work, 
he has, as before stated, been an extensive breed- 
er of fine stock, and in that department of agri- 
culture is recognized as an authority. His origi- 
nal home was .some years ago replaced by a sub- 
stantial and commodious residence, in which he 
and his family are surrounded b\- all the comforts 
of life, and to which they give a most hospitable 
welcome to their large circle of friends. The 
other farm buildings are also substantial in con- 
struction and arranged in such a maimer as to 
facilitate the work. All in all, the estate is one 
of the most finely improved in this county, and is 
a credit to the enterprising owner. 



^MEB^-^^W^m 



CVSAAC K. vSCOTT, M. D., has been engaged 
I in practice in Larue, Marion Ci)unty, for over 
JL two decades, and stands high in the ranks of 
his profession. He is a graduate of Starling 
Medical College, of Cdlumbus, Ohio, and has al- 
ways faithfully kept u]) his medical stud\- and 
research. Ljke his iatlier bef>ie him, he is a 
stanch Republican, and for years he has l)eeii a 
member of the Masonic order. A nati\'e of 
Union Cininty, Ohio, his birth occurred March 
12, 1X44, at .Scott's Corners, which place was 
named in honor of his family. 

The paternal grandparents of Dr. Scott were 
Francis and Nancy (Gadd) Scott. The former, 
a native of Ireland, was brought b)- his parents 
to America when he was four years old. In 1836 
he located in Union County, where he was among 
the first .settlers, and the farm which he then 
owned is the present site of Pharisburg. He 
died there at the age of seventy-two years, while 



his wife lived to be .seventy-eight j'ears of age. 
Her parents were born in Virginia, and at an early 
da}' moved to Mu.skinguin County, Ohio. Four- 
teen children were born to Francis and Nancy 
vSo.tt. 

Our subject's father, Norton ,Sciitt, was born 
in Muskingum County, Ohio, December 12, 18 10, 
and was only a small boy when, witli his ])arents, 
he moved to llnion Couiit\-. He and his liroth- 
ers engaged in logging and in jiiouecr work Un 
many years. Ricluvood was then a small village, 
with perhaps only a dozen houses, April 6, 
1841, Norton Scdtt married Flenor Perrs', and set- 
tled on a small firm, where he remained until 
1877, with the exception of four years spent in 
Indiana. On retiring iVom acti\'e labor he took 
up his abode in Larue, where he has since made 
his home. His wife was l)orn in Delaware Coun- 
ty, and on both sides of the faiuil_\- was of W^elsh 
descent, her father ha\'ing been born in Wales, 
though her mother was of American birth. Mrs. 
vScott died at the age of fifty-five years and was 
buried in the Larue Cemetery. The Doctor was 
her only son, and her two daughters, Florence 
and Genevra, died at the age of twenty and thir- 
ty-six years, respectively. Norton Scott has 
been a member of the Marysville Masonic lodge 
for thirty-five years. 

Until he was twenty }'ears of age, Dr. Scott 
worked on his father's firm, and received a fair 
education in the common scliools. In August, 
1864, he enlisted as a private in Company C, One 
Hundred and Sevent\--fourth Ohio Infantry, and 
served from that time until the close of the war. 
He was in the liattle of Overhall's Creek, and in 
the engagement at Cedars received a gunshot 
wound in the right arm. He was taken to Hos- 
pital No. 4 at Murfrecsboro, Tenn., and after a 
furlough of thirty daj-s he rejoined his regiment, 
participating in the battle of Kingston. His 
father had enlisted in August, 1862, in Company 
I, One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Infantry, 
as a private, and was promoted to the rank of 
Sergeant. He .served until April, 1864, when he 
was discharged on account of poor health, and in 
his stead his .son enlisted the following summer. 

The winter after returning from the South, Dr. 



412 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArillCAL RECORD. 



Scott engaged in teaching school in Pharisburg, 
Ohio, and read medicine with Dr. Skidmore. 
In 1867 he took a course of lectures in Ann Ar- 
bor, Mich., and then resumed teaching for a time, 
but was finally graduated from Starling Medical 
College, in the spring of 1872. For a year he 
practiced at his old home in Pharisburg, after 
which he made a permanent settlement in Larue, 
where he has .since conducted a large practice. 

September 15, 1874, Dr. Scott married Ella 
Hastings, who died October 28, 1877. By this 
union were born two children, but both are now 
deceased. February 27, 1880, he was united in 
marriage with Alice Corey, a native of this state 
and a lady of German extraction. She died in 
1884, at the age of twenty-nine years, leaving two 
children: Maud, who is attending school, and 
Alfred. 



m>^^<^=^~ 



ElLVRI.IvS IIAIIX, M. I)., has been engaged 
in the practice of his profession in Marion 
County for over a quarter of a century, and 
is now living a retired life in the village of Cale- 
donia. In 1880 he was elected to the position of 
County Auditor on the Democratic ticket, and 
held the office acceptably for three years. He 
was also Treasurer of Tully Township for a period 
of thirteen years, and has served as School Di- 
rector. 

Dr. Halm is the second of leu chililren born to 
Abram and Julia .^nn (Ernst) Hahn. Of this 
large family only one brother and a sister remain: 
Alexander E., who is engaged in the undertak- 
ing business at Mt. Gilead, Ohio; and Julia, 
widow of George Walters, of Bucyrus, this state. 
Abram Hahn was born in Frederick County, Md., 
May 27, 1796, and until he was twenty years of 
age helped his lather in his blacksmith shop and 
worked at fanning. He then moved to Pennsyl- 
vania, where he learned the milling business and 
was married. In 1S25 he emigrated to Canton, 
Ohio, worked in a mill for a year, and then kept 



tavern until 1828. Going to Bucyrus, he built 
the Deal House the following year, furnished the 
hotel, and conducted it successfully until 1843. 
In that year he traded the hotel fOr a flourmill 
and a farm near Mt. Gilead. These he operated 
until December, 1866, when he retired to the town 
of Mt. Gilead, where his death occurred January 
18, 1S67, at the age of seventy-one years. Au- 
gust 13, 1838, he discovered a part of the famous 
mastodon skeleton near Bucyrus, a record of 
which appears in the "Historical Collections of 
Ohio," published by Henry Howe in 1854. The 
parents of Abram Hahn were born in the United 
States, but were of German extraction, and his 
mother lived to the extreme old age of ninety- 
seven years. Mrs. Julia Hahn was born in 1802, 
in Reading, Pa., and died in the spring of 1880. 
Her parents were among the old families of Penn- 
sylvania and were likewise of German descent. 
Her father was a hatter by trade. 

Dr. Charles Hahn was born in York County, 
Pa., November 10, 1824, and was oidy an infant 
when he was brought by his parents to Ohio. 
He was three years old when they moved to Bu- 
cjTus, where he attended the public schools on 
arriving at suitable years, and he later assisted his 
father in the hotel. When he was in his twen- 
tieth year he began managing the farm at Mt. 
Gilead, and was thus employed until the spring 
of 1850. Going then to Crawford County, he 
took up the study of medicine with Dr. P. E. 
Rupp, with whom he spent two and a-half years. 
His first field of practice was New Winchester, 
Crawford County, where he was located until the 
fall of 1867. From that time until 1880 he prac- 
ticed in Martel, this county, and while there was 
elected County Auditor, and accordingly removed 
to the county seat. On the expiration of his term 
of office, in 1884, he resumed his medical practice, 
which he continued for three years in Marion. 
In 1887 he settled in Caledonia, where he still 
continues the practice of liis profes.sion. 

February 10, 1847, Dr. Hahn married .Sarah 
A. Newson, who was born October 26, 1822, in 
Wa.shington County, Md. Her parents, Jo.seph 
and Su.san (Sn\'der) Newson, were born and mar- 
ried in Maryland. The father was a farmer by 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



413 



occupation, and on his emigration to Marion 
County, in 1S26, bought a tract of Government 
kuul. oil which he remained until his death, at 
the age of seventj'-five years. Mis wife hved to 
reach her seventy- eighth year. 

Politically our subject is a .stanch Democrat, 
and alwaj's takes great interest in whatever tends 
to benefit his fellow-citizens and the public at 
large. The Doctor and his L-stiniablc wife have 
never had an}' children of their own, but have 
reared two to lives of usefulness and In nn ir. They 
possess the sincere respect and love (if their many 
friends and acquaintances. 



+= 



=+ 



30IIN C. GlvRLACH has been successfully 
engaged in general farming and stock-raising 
on section 15, Pleasant Township, Hardin 
County, for over a quarter of a century. He is 
now the owner of a tract of one hundred and fifty- 
three acres, which is well improved with a hand- 
some frame house, very large barn and other 
structures. For three >ears Mr. Gerlach served 
as School Director, and for one year was Town- 
ship Assessor. In politics he has always been an 
unswerving Democrat. In former years he was 
a member of the Grange, and has never failed 
to promote the interests of the community in 
which he dwells in every possible wa_\-. 

The father of the above gentleman, Christo- 
pher Gerlach, was born in Elm, He.sse-Cassel, 
Germany, June i, 1S15. His father, Ulrich 
Gerlach, Sr., was a farmer, and both he and liis 
wife, Elizabeth, were natives of lilin. Of their 
eight children Christopher was the fifth in order 
of birth. He emigrated to the United States 
about 1834, in company with his brother Ulrich, 
and after a stormy voyage of .seven weeks landed 
in Baltimore. For a few years he worked at his 
trade of shoemaking in Pittsburg, where he was 
married. In 1S39 he moved to Kenton, where 
he was for a few years engaged in the harness 



trade, in partnership with his brother Ulrich. He 
then sold out and inn\-ed to Chamjiaign County, 
Ohio, and for the next two years was employed 
by farmers. In March, 1M44, he bdught an 
eighty-acre timl)er tract in this township, built a 
cabin of logs, and, as time pased, bought adjoin- 
ing land, until, at the time of his death, he owned 
two hundred and twent}' acres in one Viody. 
With the exception of twenty- five acres of timber 
he cleared this land himself In politics he was 
a Democrat, ami in religinus belief was a Luth- 
eran. He died at a ripe old age, .September jcj, 
iSSi. Among other local offices which he held 
were those of .School Director and Road .Super- 
visor. 

The mother of our subject was Miss Elizabeth 
Arn, who was born in the canton of Berne, .Switz- 
erland, June 5. 1S20. .She was one of seven 
children born to Adam aiul Mary Arn, the latter 
of whom died when she was quite yoiuig. The 
father came to the United .States in 1826, and re- 
turned to Switzerland for his family in the fall of 
1832. They sailed from Havre de Grace, France, 
and at the end of sixty-five da>-s landed in New 
York. Going to Philadelphia, they startetl with 
wagons to Powhatan, Ohio, twenty nules below 
Wheeling, W. \'a., on the Ohio River. The 
daughter, Elizalieth, went to her married sister's 
home in Pittsburg, and lived v.ilh her for two 
)-ears, or until her marriage. 

John C. Gerlach is the .second and eldest living 
child in his father's family, numbering seven 
children. He was about two years of age when 
the family came to this couiit>-, his birth having 
occurred December 9, 1841 , inChampaign County, 
Ohio. He attended Greenwood .School until his 
nineteenth year, and for one winter pursuetl his 
.studies in the German .school at Trenton. He 
continuetl to dwell under the parental roof until 
his marriage, at the age of twenty-eight years. 
During the summers he was engaged in threshing 
and in the winter .seasons was employed at clear- 
ing tlie forest from a fifty-acre tract which had 
been given him by his father. Shortly before liis 
marriage he purcha.sed sixt>- acres adjoining his 
original fifty, and subsequentU' bought sixty acres 
more. A part of this was afterwards sold and in 



414 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



its stead Mr. Gerlach purchased eighty acres 
partially cleared of timber. All but forty acres of 
his land was thus encumbered. Besides raising 
grain, hay and general crops, he has been suc- 
cessful in raising cattle, horses, hogs and sheep. 

July 20, 1870, occurred the marriage of J. C. 
Gerlach and Jane Close, in this township. The 
lady was born in Stark County, Ohio, April 6, 
1844, and is a daughter of William and Margaret 
(Farber) Close, who were married November 17, 
1 83 1, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The father 
was born in Washington County, Pa., in 1805. 
His wife was born July 22, 18 10, and died Janu- 
ary 20, 1872. They had eight children, the three 
eldest of whom, Wesley, Isabella and John, are 
deceased; Phcebe is the wife of Julius Schoonover, 
of Belle Center, Ohio; Elizabeth married Alexan- 
der Charlton, of this town.ship; Harriet is the wife 
of Otho Murphy, of Marion, Ohio; Mrs. Gerlach 
is the next in the family ; and the youngest is 
Arkison, of this township. Mrs. Gerlach's 
father was a .son of Philip and Bet.sy (Moore) 
Close, natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio at 
an early day and died in Marion County. Will- 
iam Close moved from Marion to Carroll, and 
thence to Hardin Countj- in 1855. His wife, 
Margaret, was a daughter of John and Elizabeth 
Farber, natives of New Jersey. 

To our subject and wife have been born four 
children: Ella, who is the wife of John Drushel, 
a farmer of this township; and Margaret, Lulu 
and Harry, who are at home. For over eighteen 
years the parents have been members of the 
Methodi.st Episcopal Church of Grant, and have 
manv sincere friends in this section. 



n AMES K. SMITH is engaged in general farni- 
I ing and .stock-raising on section 22, Big Isl- 
(2/ aud Township, Marion County. Few men in 
this locality are held in more favorable esteem by 
one and aU ihan it is his good fortune to be. After 
being elected on the Republican ticket several 
years ago, he served acceptably for six years as 



Township Trustee, and, whether in public or 
private position, has ever had the welfare of his 
neighbors at heart. 

The above-named gentleman is a son of John 
and Naomi (Mouser) Smith, natives of \'irginia 
and of German descent. In 1829 they located on 
a farm in Marion Township, this count}-, where 
the father entered a piece of land. Beginning 
with little or nothing, he afterwards was quite 
wealthy as the result of his earnest toil. He was 
born September 13, 1803, and his wife was born 
May 31 of the same year. Their family num- 
bered eight children, viz.: William and Marj-, 
deceased ; Jacob, a resident of Marion ; Mrs. 
Martha Lawrence, who is living on the farm en- 
tered by her father, and who has seven children ; 
Mrs. Margaret Hamilton, of Hardin County, and 
the mother of eight children; George W., who 
went to Iowa in 1S84 and is yet living there with 
his wife and three children ; Isaac, who owns a 
farm in Marion Township and is living alone, his 
wife having died October 17, 1S90 ; and James, 
who completes the family. John Smith was a 
Republican, and religiously a Baptist. 

A native of Marion County, James K. Smith 
was born July 26, 1842, and his education was 
such as could be obtained in the district .school. 
On arriving at man's estate he rented land for 
a while, but in 1870 he bought one hundred and 
nine acres in Prairie Township. In 1876 he be- 
came the owner of his present place of two hun- 
dred and forty acres, which is very fertile and 
well adapted to general agriculture. 

vSeptember 25, 1867, Mr. Smith married Mary, 
daughter of William and Marian (McNeal) 
Beaver, who were of English and Scotch birth, 
respectively. About 1852 her parents settled in 
Cleveland, Ohio, remaining there nearly a year, 
after which they moved to a farm in this countJ^ 
In 1868 they emigrated to a farm in Kansas, bu%'- 
ing the place on which they made their home the 
rest of their days. The father died in 1876 and 
the mother in 1887. Their two eldest sons, John 
and James, are farmers of this county; William 
lives in Kan.sas ; George is deceased, as is also 
Margaret ; and Alice is the wife of Jo.seph Fowler, 
of Kansas. 



yfi^KSStitKk 


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^r^'" 



w II. LIS I-: \vi;sT()N. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



417 



Mrs. Smith was burn July 27, 1.848, near Glas- 
jjjow, Scotland. By her marriage with our sub- 
ject she has become the mother of five children. 
Harry was 1)orn July 10, 1S68: Ralph \V., July 
22, 1S71; Clarence J., born June 9, is a telegraph 
operator at Murdock, Minn.; Florence I. was 
horn August 12, 1876: and Zora A., April i, 
1884. 

ThCvSmith f;imily all attend the Baptist Church, 
though not members t)f the same. Mr. Smith is 
a .stanch Republican and is a good citizen. As a 
man he is honorable and upright in all his deal- 
ings and well deserves special mention in the 
record of the best and representative men of this 
countv. 



^^z 



^+ 



|II,LIS E. WKSTON, one of the popular 
adherents of the Marion County Democ- 
racy, holds the responsible and honorable 
position of County Recorder, having been elected 
to that office in Xoveniber, iSyi. He was re- 
elected on the expiration of his term in the fall 
of 1894, and is making a creditable record both 
for him.self and his enthusia.stic constituents and 
hosts of friends. His entire life has been passed 
within the limits of this county, his birth having 
occurred on a farm in Green Camp Township. 
His early education was obtained in the dis- 
trict schools near by. vSubsequently he attended 
the Ohio Normal University of Ada, completing 
a full course of instruction, and later engaging in 
teaching, which he did for nine terms, meeting 
with the best of success. 

John Weston, the father of the gentleman 
above named, was a nati\-e of the Empire State, 
and at an early period removed to Ohio. His 
principal occupations in life were farming and 
stock-raising. He was one who attended strictly 
to his own affairs, and prospered because of his 
industrious and pensevering characteristics. In 
no sense of the word was he an office-seeker, but 



on one occasion his friends prevailed upon him to 
serve as Township Trustee, and in this cajiacity 
he acted for two terms. At the close of a good 
and useful life he was called to his final rest, Au- 
gust II, 1888. His wife, whose maiden name 
was Maria Chard, was born and reared in Green 
Camp Township. She pa.ssed away at her home 
in Marion, April 5, 1S94. Her father, James 
Chard, was for fort\- years a Justice of the Peace, 
and won the title of Captain during the War of 
the Rebellion. 

John and Maria W^eston were the parents of 
eight children, nf whom fi\eare still living. John 
C, who is interested in railroading, lives in Ma- 
rion; William 1). is an agriculturist of Coffey 
County, Kan.; Richard A. is a I'armer of Green 
Camp Township; Sarah A. is unmarried, and 
lives in Marion; and Willis Iv, our subject, was 
born October 27, 1864. David M. died March 20, 
1894; James died August 12, 1853; and an infant 
died unnamed. 

November 8, 1894, Mr. Weston and Miss Ber- 
tha E. Cleveland were united in marriage. Mrs. 
We.ston is a daughter of James A. and Jane A. 
(Prettj-man) Cleveland, old residents of Green 
Camp Township, Marion County. They became 
the parents of four children; Reuben H., William 
E., Violetta and Mrs. Weston. 



H ERICH GEREACH, a retired business man 
of Pleasant Township, opened the first har- 
ness-shop in Hardin County at Kenton, Oc- 
tober 5, 1838, and was continuously engaged in 
trade until the spring of 1867, when he removed 
to his farm, which he has since placed in the 
hands of his sons. He is a native of He.s.se-Cas- 
sel, Germany, liaving been born in the village of 
Elm, January 21, 181 2. 

The parents of our subject were lUrich, Sr., 
and Elizabeth (Kress) Gerlach, both likewise na- 
tives of P'lm. The former was a farmer by occu- 
pation, and died in the Fatherland, when about 



4i8 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



sixty years of age. They were the parents of 
eight children: Adam, who was a farmer, and who 
died in Germany, leaving a family; Sabina; Au- 
drace, who died while yoinig; Godfried, who 
came to the United States ten years after our 
subject; Ulrich, of this sketch; Christopher, who 
crossed the Atlantic at the same time as his next 
elder brother; and Eva and John, who came to 
the United States about 1837. 

Until he was about fourteen years of age 
Ulrich Gerlach studied in the German schools, 
after which he was apprenticed to the saddler's 
trade in Fulda for two years. When the time 
expired he worked for three years in or near his 
native village. April 10, 1834, he embarked at 
Bremen in a sailing-vessel, the "Elizabeth," and 
after a seven-weeks voyage landed in Baltimore. 
The trip was very- stormy, and one day during 
a calm they sighted a mastlcss ve.s.sel, the crew of 
which had been washed overboard. Thej' took 
po.ssession of the anchors, chains and whatever 
articles they could carry and then abandoned the 
wreck. One of the sailors started into the hold 
of the ship on a searching tour and encountered a 
shark, which had been washed in, and it is need- 
less to say that "Jack Tar" beat a hastj- retreat. 
Another incident of the voyage was the meeting 
of an Australian vessel which had been out of 
port twenty-two weeks, and was out of provisions. 
After they had been supplied they proceeded on 
their way with renewed courage. 

For three months Mr. Gerlach worked at his 
trade in McConnellsburg, Pa., whither he had 
gone on account of the fact that an acquaintance 
of his was living there. He then went ten miles 
into the country, and for a year was employed by 
a farmer. In the fall of 1835 ^'^ went to Pitts- 
burg, where he worked for two years, and then 
removed to Mansfield, Ohio, passing the winter 
of 1837-38 in that vicinity. After three months 
.spent in McConnel.sville, on the Muskingum 
River, he moved to Kenton, where in October he 
opened a .saddlery-shop, which he continued to 
carry on for about thirty years. 

October 7, 1839, Mr. Gerlach married Miss 
Mar>- Pfcifer, who was born at Reinhartz, Hesse- 
Cas.sel, March 18, 1822. Her parents, John and 



Elizabeth (Schlingelhof) Pfcifer, were married 
about 1817, and had four children. George and 
one other child died in infancy; and Elizabeth, 
the youngest, who was the wife of Sigmund 
Kreinbihl, of Kenton, died in the fall of 189 1. 
John Pfeifer owned a farm in Germany, and 
worked at the tailor's trade until in the .spring of 
1837 he .sailed from Bremen in the "Sophie," and 
at the end of sixty-eight days pas.sed on the briny 
deep found himself in Baltimore. At first he set- 
tled in Zelienople, Pa., where he had friends, but 
later moved to Ohio and bought eighty acres of 
timber-land in this township. In February, 1839, 
he moved to this farm, which he began to clear, 
and which occupied his attention until his death, 
which occurred about 1850. His property was 
then divided between his two daughters. His 
good wife lived until October 14, 1SS8, when her 
death occurred, at the extreme old age of ninety- 
eight years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gerlach became the parents of 
eight children, namely: John, George, Adam, 
Christof, Mary, William, Elizabeth and Caroline. 
Mary died at the age of one year, and the young- 
est of the family when seven months old. Christof 
lives in Versailles, Ohio, where he has been en- 
gaged in the saddlery business since 1884. John 
and Adam succeeded to their father's business in 
Kenton, but the latter has since ojjcned a shop of 
his own. George is engaged in farming six miles 
west of Kenton, in Lynn Township. Elizabeth 
is the housekeeper for her aged parents. Will- 
iam lives in a part of the old farm house and 
manages the homestead. He was married, in Oc- 
tober, 1879, to Lizzie SchaflFner, who was born in 
this state, but who.se parents were natives of 
Switzerland. The young couple have had six 
children: Laura, born February 28, 1880; Otilla, 
born July 4, 1881; Frederick, who was killed by 
lightning in August, 1894, being then in his thir- 
teenth year; Maria, born November 16, 1885; 
Ulrich, September 21, 1892; and an infant who 
died before receiving a name. 

While a resident of Kenton Mr. Gerlach was a 
member of the City Council and also one of the 
Tru.stees. In affairs of national importance he is 
a supporter of the Democracy. In 1868, while 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



419 



working in the forest felling trees, he cut his 
liand severely, and blood poisoning setting in he 
eventually lost the use of his right leg to some 
extent. Notwithstanding this, he is apparently 
hale and hearty, bidding fair to reach a good old 
age. For over thieescore years Mr. and Mrs. 
Gerlach have been members of the Reformed Lu- 
theran Church, and all of their children are iden- 
tified with the same denomiiiati<in. 



I EVI BO\Vh;R is a thrifty and influential 
IC farmer, dwelling on section 25, Taylor 
l_2f Creek Township, Hardin County. From a 
wilderness he has developed a valuable home- 
stead by his honest and zealous toil, having 
cleared about one hundred and twenty-five acres 
himself. In 1S95 he embarked in a newveiiture, 
the manufacture of tile for drainage purposes, and 
though the industry is an infant one, it promises 
to be very successful, as about twelve thousand a 
year are already being put out and .sold. 

Levi Bower is the eldest of .seven children born 
to Peter and Amy ( Rodgers) Bower. The former 
was born December 14, 1S17, in Pennsylvania, 
and the latter December 1 2, 1819, in Ohio. Their 
other children are: J. A.; Jo.seph H., w'ho mar- 
ried Miss Corwin, and lives in Tennessee; Su.san, 
wife of Isaiah Corwin, a farmer of Logan Coun- 
ty; Lucretia, wife of Martin McAdams, of Logan 
County; James, a resident of this township; and 
Mary Jane, wife of Rev. Robert McCormick, now 
living in Illinois. 

When in his .sixteenth year Peter Bower came 
to this state with his parents, who settled on wild 
land in Ru.sh Creek Township, Logan County, 
which they bought of the Government at $1.25 
per acre. Their cabin home was two .stories 
high, 20x24 feet in size, and within its humble 
walls they lived until 1864, when Mr. Bower .sold 
out and purchased two hundred and fiftj- acres, 
of which he cleared one hundred and twelve 
acres. Going next to Ilarpertown, he was there 



employed in teaming, etc., about a year, after 
which he bought fifty-one acres near Big Springs. 
There were some improvements on the place, and 
here he resided almost twenty years. On retir- 
ing he .sold the farm and moved to Big Springs. 
He has always been a Democrat in his political 
convictions, and religiously is identified with the 
Disciples Church. 

The birth of Levi Bower occurred December 

28, 1838, in Logan County. He was reared on a 
farm, and remained with his parents until he was 
twenty-four years of age. After his marriage he 
leased land for six years, but at the end of the 
first 3'ear sold the lease and went to Big Springs, 
where he engaged in teaming several years. 
Later he bought a house and lot and a sawmill. 
The latter he carried on for seventeen years, or 
until 1889, when he moved the mill tcS Urbana, 
Ohio, and after operating it about six months, 
finally disposed of it. In 1870 he had purchased 
his present farm of two hundred and forty-three 
acres and built a cabin 18x26 feet in dimensions. 
By great diligence he managed to clear about ten 
acres a year, and in time he had a finely improved 
farm. 

April 3, i860, Mr. Bower married Hester Ann 
Johnson, the ceremony being performed l)y Rev. 
Jesse Roberts, in Rush Creek Township, Logan 
County. Mrs. Bower was born August 7, 1839, 
in that township, being the daughter of William 
and Eleanor (Stillwell ) John.son, the former of 
whom died in June, 1850, and the latter October 
10, 1865. Mrs. Bower's brothers and sisters w'ere, 
Ross and Sarah, deceased; Elizabeth, widow of 
Nathan Karns, who lives on a farm near Ken- 
ton; Marj', whose husband, John Karns, died 
in 1892; Isaac, deceased; Addison, who married 
Rinthe Bell, and is a farmer of Buffalo County, 
Nel). ; John W., who married Hattie Smith, and 
resides in Big vSprings, Ohio; and Robert, de- 
ceased. 

The union of our sulrject and wife has been 
blessed with nine children. John P., born April 

29, 1 86 1, is a merchant of Rushsylvania, Ohio. 
He married Clara Rosebrook and they have one 
child. Ida, born Augu.st 25, 1863, is the wife of 
Lucian Musselman, of Taylor Creek Township, 



420 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and has one child. Isaac A., born September 
19, 1865, married Elizabeth Swigert; they have 
one child and live at Kenton. Clara, born De- 
cember I, i86g, has tanght .school three terms at 
Pleasant Hill. William, born May 27, 1870, is 
unmarried and at home. Orville was born Octo- 
ber I, 1873. Charles T. was born June 17, 1877, 
and died November 3, 1879. Chalmer was born 
March 12, 1879; and two died in infancy. 

In politics Mr. Bower is a Democrat. He con- 
tributes liberally of his means to help the poor 
and needy who come to him for assistance. His 
educational advantages were not of the best, for 
he was a .student in the old-time district schools, 
which he could attend only about three months 
each year. However, he is now a well informed 
man, having become .so by contact with the world 
and by general ol)scrvation. 



111,1,1AM H. CLIXK. Many of the old 
residents of Claridon Township, Marion 
County, remember well this noble patriot, 
whose life was offered on the altar of his coun- 
try's liberties, and who died in the hospital at 
Washington, October 17, 1862. His widow has 
contiimed to dwell on the old homestead formerly 
conducted by Mr. Cline, and which contains one 
hundred and .seven acres. A son of Abraham 
Cline, our subject was born April 28, 1828, in 
Marion, being one of four children, three sons 
and a daughter, only one of whom .survives. 
Young William lived at Marion until he was four 
years of age, at which time he was left an orphan. 
He was then taken into the family of his uncle, 
Henry Cline, who lived in Tro>- Township, Dela- 
ware County. I'nder his hospitable roof he con- 
tinued to make his abode until he reached his 
majority, and in 1851 he returned to this his na- 
tive county. He soon hxraled on a farm in Clari- 
don Township, this place having been taken up 
by his father from the Government. For over a 
decade Mr. Cline's time was earnestly given to 
the improvement of this land, most of which he 
brought under cultivation. 



June 25, 1850, occurred the marriage of our 
subject and Rachel M. Darst. She was born in 
Fairfield County, Ohio, Febiiiary 13, 1829, and 
is the daughter of William and Margaret Darst. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Cline were born six children, 
the eldest of whom, Pri.scilla J., became the wife 
of James Seboldt, who is a farmer of Allen Coun- 
ty; Jerome, the eldest son, is an enterprising 
farmer of Claridon Township; Caroline became 
the wife of Jarry Brockston; Nancy is Mrs. Rob- 
ert McElhaney; Ktta became the wife of David 
Barringer, of Ottawa County, Ohio, who is a 
ph\sician by profession; and Flora J. died when 
two years of age. 

William H. Cline received a common-school 
education, but made the best of his limited op- 
portunities, with the result that he posses.sed an 
unusual fund of information and practical knowl- 
edge. He enlisted as a private in Company H, 
Fourth Ohio Regiment, April 23, 1861, and was 
sent to Cincinnati. Thence he was ordered to 
Virginia, where he did effective service. Owing 
to exposure and hardships incident to army life, 
he was taken sick, and after two or tliree months 
in the hospital departed this life, October 17, 1862, 
and was buried in the South. In his political 
faith he was a Democrat, and never failed to dis- 
charge the duties which devolved upon him as a 
citizen. 



?>.: 



3OHN D. HEXKI.lv is an enterprising and 
prosperous business man of Larue, Marion 
County, where he has made his home for 
nearly two decades. In 1888 he embarked in a 
general mercantile business in company with his 
brother-in-law, under the firm name of Holliday 
& Henkle. They carry a full line of boots and 
shoes, dry goods, notions, and all things usually 
found in a general store. Politically Mr. Henkle 
is a Rcpul)lican, and is now .serving his second 
term in the cajiacity of Township Clerk. He has 
always been interested in educational matters and 
has served as a member of the local School Board. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



423 



The father of our subject, Jacob A. Henkle by 

name, is a native of the Buckeye i^tatc, and at 
tiR- pVLScnl lime is also a iesi<l(.'iit iif Laiuc, to 
wliicli place lie came in 1S77. In his earl\- man- 
litiiiil he learned the carjientei's tiade, and has 
lulldwed this calling snccesslhlly. lie married 
Margaret V,. Simmons, !>>' whom he has had li\'e 
children, John I), being the sei-ond of the familw 

The birth of our subject oecurred at X'ienna 
Cross Roads, Clark Counl\-, ()hio, March .|, 
I S^.S, and his bo> hood was passed in that local- 
ity. He received a common-school education, and 
learned the carpenter's trade bs- working with his 
father. After coming to Larue he followed his 
calling for some time, but finally conchuled that 
conmiercial pursuits were more to his taste. He 
wins the friendship and confidence of his c\istoni- 
ers b\- his uniformly fair treatment and desire to 
meet their \vi.shes in every resjiecl. 

August 20, !.S8i, Mr. Henkle married Miss 
Je.ssie Holliday, wdio was born in Rushsylvania, 
Logan County, and there grew to womanhood. 
Two children came to IjIc.ss their home, and are 
named, respectively, Roy and Mirlc. The family 
are well liked and have many sincere friends in 
this vicinitN'. 



-j^. .5. .5. .5. , Agj^XA .!• ^.^-^-i 






EHARLIvS WIvSI.I'V ROlilNvSON, wdio was 
formerly one of the practical, wide-awake 
farmers of Jackson 'I'ownship, Hardin Coun- 
ty, departed this life in iS9,v He came of a good 
old pioneer famil\-, his father having been an old 
landmark in the growth and development of the 
county, and the owner and occupant of a finely 
inijiroved and well appointed fuin. 

Our subject was liorn in Connt>- I'crmanagh, 
Ireland, March 4, 18,^0, and was the sou of Will- 
iam and Mary Lydia(Zingins) Robinson. He was 
eighteen years of age when he made the journey 
across the Atlantic w-ith his parents, and, contin- 
uing his westward journey, arrived in Ohio, lo- 
cating in Jefferson County. In 1854 the family 
16 



came to Hardin Count\-, locating in Goshen 
Township, eight miles northeast of Kenton, where 
they settled on an enlirel\- new place, and opened 
up a good firm in Ihe woods. This neighbor- 
hood was then known as tlii.- Hakei' Setlliancnt. 
With hard ]>ioneer labor, William Robinson 
t'leared tin- Irael and resided on this firm until 
death closed his mortal t'ari-cr, in iSTn), wln'n at 
the age of se\ent> -fn-e years. His good wife had 
preceded him to the land bexond by two \eais. 

The family born to William and Mary I,. Rob- 
inson comprised four sons, of whom ,ill are de- 
ceased. 'iMiey were Charles W., Jiihii W., Will- 
iam .and James. lolin W. made his abode on ihe 
home iaini foi' a lime, and (h'partt-il this life in 
l*"ori.-st; William died in Steubenxille, when :i 
young man of twcnl\- fi\e years: James ]i,issed 
awa>- in Cincinnali, where he was (.-ngaged in the 
commission business. 

Charles We.sley remained on the Iiome place 
until his marriage, ( )ctober 11, i,S60, when he 
moved to another firm. Upon starling out for 
liim.self, he first bought t-ighty acres .adjoinuig 
his father's ])lace, on which a small .area had been 
cleared. This he soon had under ciiltixation, as, 
indeed, he diil all his subsequent purchases. He 
was a successful sheep-grower as will as agricul- 
turist, and gave his personal snper\ision to the 
running of his estate. As soon as able he pnr- 
cha.sed other tracts of land, all of which he found 
to be good inve.stmeiUs. He was a hardworking 
man and a .splendid financier. At tlu- time of his 
decea.sc he was quite wealth\-, numbering .iniong 
his property interests a qnarler-set'tion in this 
township, one hundred and twenty acres in Dud- 
ley Towaiship, two firms of eight\ aires (.■.ich near 
the old home, fifl\- acres in Marion Count)-, be- 
sides the estate of eight\- acres which he ga\c to a 
married daughter. 

Charles W. Robinson and Miss I'hnma I<. Thew 
were marrii-d on the nth of October, 1866. 
The lady was the daughter of Henr\- and 
Anna ( IIa\\vard ) Thew, of Moiitgoiner\- Town- 
.ship, Marion Count\', where they located .about 
the year 185,-^, Mrs. Robinson w.is born in wh.it 
was then the vill.agc of M;irion, December 27, 
1844. Their children are as follows; Ada Belle, 



424 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



now the wife of William Grafniiller, of Jackson 
Township; Marietta, James B., Clarence E., 
Henry Leroy and Charles Wesley, the latter of 
whom died, aged eight years. The other sons 
are all at home and give their attention to man- 
aging the various estates of their father. 

Mr. Robinson died March 4, 1893, on his six- 
ty-third birthday, and his remains were interred 
in Goshen Cemetery in Hardin County. Although 
one of the old and honored residents of this sec- 
tion, he had never joined the Old Settlers' Asso- 
ciation. He was an influential member and in- 
terested worker in the Methodist Kpi.scopal 
Church, helping to build what was known as the 
Eureka Church near his home, and of which he 
was one of the Trustees and charter members. 
He was also Class-Leader and did much toward 
extending the influences of the denomination in 
his township. He was at all times active in the 
matter of education, and for .some time served as 
a member of the School Board. He was a Re- 
publican in politics, but could never be prevailed 
upon to hold office, as his extensive interests oc- 
cupied all his time and thought. 



C^ 



L-y- 






■xU 



AKTIN STEINER, one of the prominent 
larmers of Hardin County, owns a valuable 
liomcstead on section 18, Pleasant Town- 
ship. He has .served as School Director and 
Road Supen-i.sor, and takes a great interest in 
whatever tends toward the upbuilding of this 
district. A native of Bavaria, he was born in 
Landau, February 8, 1829, 

The father of our subject, Jacob Steiner, like- 
wi.se a native of that place, was born about 1800, 
being one of seven children born to his parents, 
who were natives of Switzerland. His father was 
a linen weaver, who in early manhood settled in 
Rhenish Bavaria, where he was married and sub- 
sequently resided. His eldest .son, John, served 
under Napoleon, and started for Russia, but on 



account of sickness returned home. After the 
defeat of the great general, Bavaria claimed the 
allegiance of Landau, and Jacob Steiner served in 
her army from 1818 to 1824. He then married, 
and in the fall of 1831 sold out his po.ssessions 
with the intention of moving to America, but ul- 
timately located about fifteen miles from Munich, 
and two years later, on receiving some money 
from his wife's parents' estate, built a large barn 
and repaired his house. This work was com- 
pleted on Saturday, and on the following Tuesday 
an envious neighbor .set fire to them and every- 
thing was destroyed. In 1848 Mr. Steiner emi- 
grated to America, regretting that he had not 
done so fifteen j-ears before. On his way to 
Havre he pas.sed through Paris, at the time of the 
Revolution and abdication of Louis Philippe. On 
the day of their journey through the metropolis 
three hundred victims of the political overthrow 
were buried. Upon reaching New York the fam- 
ily started for Sandusky, by way of Albany and 
Buffalo, and arrived in Kenton April 11. A 
brother of Mrs. Steiner's had .settled near this 
village, and for that reason the family knew of 
this region and naturally came hither. Mr. 
Steiner purchased four acres in the outskirts of 
Kenton, set out an orchard, and supported his 
family for some time by day labor. In 1854 he 
purchased fortj- acres in Goshen Township, about 
half of the place having been cleared. A few 
years later he sold this property and moved to 
Allen County, Ohio, buying twenty acres three 
miles and a-half north of Lima. This he owned 
until 1874, when he bought twenty-hve acres on 
.section 18, Pleasant Township, where he died in 
March, 1S75. His wife, who bore the maiden 
name of Apollinia Dihl, was born in Landau 
about 1804, and they were married in the latter 
part of 1S25. One of her brothers, George Dihl. 
marched to Moscow with Napoleon, and as he 
was an officer fared better than the private sol- 
diers. On one occasion, with a small detach- 
ment, he approached an appointed rendezvous 
near a town where Russian troops were .stationed, 
but was unfortunately too early. The enemy, 
seeing their small numbers, attacked the party, 
killing or taking prisoners all but four, of whom 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



425 



George Dihl was (ine. He came to the United 
States in June, 1.S47, and took up his al)ode near 
Kenton. 

Martin Steiner is fine of five children, being 
next to the eldest. John went to California in 
1851. but returned in 1.S62; he was later married, 
and went back to the Pacific Slope, where he 
died in 1S90. Mary became the wife of John 
Kaniiel, and died in 1.S56, leaving one daughter. 
\'alentine died in 1859, and was buried in Illinois, 
where he was plying his trade, that of a saddler. 
Magdelina married Gottleib Steiner, and lives in 
the state of Washington. Otir subject was reared 
with his brothers and .sisters in his native land, 
attending parochial schools h'om the time he was 
six until he was fourteen years of age. He was 
then employed by his father about three years, 
after which he worked for neighboring fanners 
two years. 

On reaching America our subject engaged in 
working at various pursuits for nearly a year, at 
the end of which time he commenced learning 
the wagon-maker's trade with Frank Meyers, who 
had a shop in Kenton. After two years he start- 
ed in business for himself, working for about 
three years, when he married Barbara, youngest 
daughter of Frank Schwartz. The latter was 
quite elderly, and turned over his farm (four and 
a-half miles east of Kenten) to his new son-in-law 
on condition that a certain amount be paid to the 
other heirs. Mrs. Steiner was born in Hdcsheim, 
Rhenish Bavaria, in October, 1S33, and became 
the wife of our subject vSeptember i , 1S53. Her 
father came to the New World with six families, 
who emigrated from the same village in Bavaria. 
IClizabeth Habarmale, who afterwards became 
his W'ife, was a native of the same village. 

The marriage of Martin Steiner and wife has 
been ble-ssed with twelve children, viz.: Eliza- 
beth, who became the wife of Joseph Burkhart, 
of Kenton, who is now deceased; John, wdio died 
in 1.392, leaving a family; Jacob, a farmer of 
Cessna Township; Mary, who is keeping hou.se 
for her father; Frank, who is helping to manage 
the homestead; Charles, a farmer of Jackson 
Township; Helena, who died when six weeks old; 
Otto, an operator in Morgan's Iron Works at 



Alliance, Ohitj; Maggie, a sister in the .Sacred 
Heart Convent in Cincinnati; lunma and Joseph, 
wdio are at home; and one wlio died uiniamed. 
Mrs. Steiner was called to her final rest February 
14, iSSj, at her old home. She was a faithful 
mendier of the Catholic Church at Kenton, to 
which all the family belong. 

In 1S74 Martin .Steiner bought his present 
farm, which originally comjirised one hundred 
and sixty acres. However, lie sold twenty-five 
acres to his father, and subsequentlv sold a like 
amount to the man who bought the first twenty- 
five acres after the father's death. Formerl}' our 
subject was a Democrat, but is now independent, 
preferring to use his franchise for the one whom 
he considers the best man for ain- given position. 






EEORGP: ROSBROOK, the leading livery- 
man of Larue, Marion County, has been en- 
gaged in the business here for the past three 
years. He has a large circle of friends, and is 
always to be found in the foremost ranks of all 
worthy enterprises. Politically he is a Repub- 
lican and never fails in discharging his duties as 
a voter. He belongs to the Odd Fellows' society. 
Lodge No. 5(')3, of Mt. Victory, and is also asso- 
ciated with Lodge No. 214, K. of P., of this place. 
George Rosbrook is the fifth of nine children 
born to Peter and Mary (Roljerts) Ro.sbrook. 
The former was born in Ohio, and continued to 
make his home in this state until about 1872, 
when he moved to Marshall, Ind. He is still 
living on a farm in that vicinity, and has now 
reached his sixty -seventh year. His parents were 
natives of Virginia and were early .settlers of 
the Buckeye State. His grandfather, who was a 
Presbyterian mini.ster, was a native of .Scotland. 
Mrs. Mary Rosbrook was born in Virginia, and 
died when about forty-four years of age. Her 
father was a mini.ster of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in the Old Dominion, and her grandpar- 
ents were natives of Ireland. 



426 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



The birth of George Rosbrook occurred Julj' 
17, 1858, in Logan County, Ohio. His boyhood 
was passed in the usual manner of farmer lads, 
his time being divided between work and play 
and in attending the district schools. On arriv- 
ing at his majority he began working industriously 
at the carpenter's trade, and was thus employed 
at intervals for five years, the remainder of his 
time being given to agricultural pursuits. 

In 1878 Mr. Ro.sbrook went to Mt. \'ictory, 
Hardin County, and obtained employment with 
his brother Frank, who was the owner of a liverj-. 
He continued with him for about fourteen years, 
after which he sold out his interest there, and, 
coming to Larue, engaged in conducting a li\-er\- 
business for himself He formerly owned a farm 
near Mt. ^'ictory and was quite extensively en- 
gaged in breeding and dealing in heavy draft 
horses. At the present time he owns a farm in 
Hardin County, comprising fifty acres, which is 
well improved with good buildings and is a valua- 
ble place. In manner he is quiet and unassuming, 
but his good qualities are con.stantly wiiuiing for 
him the admiration and friendshij) of all with 
whom he comes in contact. 



(TESSE SNODGRASvS, M. I)., one of the lead- 
I ing physicians and skillful surgeons of Ken- 
C2/ ton, was born at New Concord, Muskingum 
County, this state, June 7, 1841. His father, 
David Snodgra.ss, was a native of Pittsburg, Pa., 
and was a son of Jesse and Jane ( Atcliison) 
. Snodgrass, born Februarv- 23, 18 15. Jesse Siiod- 
grass, Sr., was born February i, 1784, and was 
of Iri.sh ancestry. In 1812 he married Jane 
Atchison, who was descended from one of the 
old families of the Keystone State. Soon after 
their marriage they located in Mercer County, 
Pa., and the War of 18 12 being then in progress, 
the grandfatlier left home and entered the service, 
fighting with his company on Lake Erie. In 



1825 he came to Muskingum County, Ohio, and 
made his home in this section until 1846, when 
we find him living in Monroe County, Iowa. Ten 
years later he engaged in the mercantile business 
at Albia, that county, and during the active years 
of his life was one of the most progressive and 
wide-awake business men of the county. He 
lived there luitil his death, which occurred in 
1S76, when he was ninety-two years of age. His 
wife departed this life in 1862, at the age of seven- 
ty j'ears. 

The father of our subject came to Kenton in 
1845, and, in company with William Gilmore, 
opened the first boot and shoe store in this place. 
In 1 85 1 he was elected to the State Legislature, 
serV'ing his constituents satisfactorilj' for one term, 
but positively refusing to become the candidate 
for the ensuing two years, although he was 
urged to do so by his many friends. On the first 
call for troops by President Lincoln, he promptly 
responded, and enlisted as a member of Coni- 
panj- D, Fourth Ohio Infantry, serving faith- 
fully and well until in February, 1862, when he 
was detailed to raise troops for the ser\-ice. While 
thus engaged he recruited Company H, of the 
Seventy- fourth Ohio Infantry, of which he was 
made Lieutenant. At the battle of Stone River, 
which soon followed, he was taken prisoner, being 
confined in Libby Prison for three months, and 
for bravery and meritorious service rendered in 
the last battle he was promoted to the captaincy. 
He remained in the front until April 26, 1864, 
when he resigned his commission on account of 
injuries which he received while participating in 
the engagement at Chickamauga, and which 
rendered him unfit for further active duty. 

After the war David Snodgrass began farming, 
and in 1870 was elected a member of the County 
Board of Commis.sioners, being active in build- 
ing the first pikes in the county. Altogetlier, he 
has been one of the foremo.st citizens of Hardin 
County. He is a devoted member of the Pres- 
byterian Church, and is now living a quiet, re- 
tired life in the city of Kenton. 

The mother of Dr. Snodgraas was Catherine, 
sister of the late Dr. W. H. Phillips. Her son 
was four years of age at the time of their removal 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



427 



to this city, consequently his literary education 
was completed in the schools of this place. \'ery 
soon thereafter, being desirous of following a pro- 
fessional life, he began the study of medicine un- 
der his uncle, Dr. Phillips. In 1.S62, however, 
he entered the army with his father, becoming a 
member of Ciimpan\- H, Seventj'-fourth Ohio In- 
fantry. He was soon afterward detailed on the 
medical staff, serving in that capacity for about a 
year. He was then appointed Assistant vSurgeon 
of the Eighth Tennessee, where he remained un- 
til the establishment of peace, and was found act- 
ively engaged on the battlefields of Stone River 
and Knoxville, Resaca, Atlanta, Franklin, Nash- 
ville, Goldsboro and Raleigh. 

On the close of the war our subject at once en- 
tered the Bellevue Medical College of New York, 
from which institution lie was graduated in 1867. 
Returning to Kenton, he commenced practice in 
this city, where he has since been one of the most 
successful physicians and surgeons, and stands 
very high among his brethren througliDUt the 
state. He was at one time President of the Pen- 
sion Ex:amining Board (receiving his appoint- 
ment under President Harrison ), was vSecretary 
of the Hardin County Medical Society during the 
years 1S79 and iSSo, in i,S.Si was Assistant 
Secretary of the Ohio vState Medical Society, and 
in 1892 served as President of the Northwestern 
Ohio Medical Association. He is now a member 
of the Ohio State Medical and the American 
Medical Associations. 

In addition to his extensive practice, Dr. Snod- 
grass is interested in many of the leading indus- 
tries of this portion of the state, being a stock- 
holder in the Kenton Lock Works, and has mone}- 
invested in other enterprises of importance and 
prominence. He is a Knight Templar, Compan- 
ion in the Loyal Legion, and is also a member of 
the Grand Army of the Republic. He is and has 
been all his life a strong supporter of Republican 
principles. 

Dr. Snodgrass has been twice married. His 
first union, which was solemnized in 1S69, was 
with Miss Emma, daughter of William Cogge- 
shall, of Springfield. She died in 1877, leaving a 
son, William, who is now a medical student in 



one of the colleges in the World's Fair City. In 
1S85 our subject married Miss Lillian Dunn, of 
this city, and the\' ha\'e become the parents of 
two liright girls, Helen and Catherine. 



^= 



^ + 



0ANIEL W. MURPHY is General Manager 
of the Marion Malleable Iron Works The 
enterprising members of this firm are busi- 
ness men of rare capacity, and the eminent suc- 
cess of their undertaking has more than justified 
their sagacity in establishing this most important 
branch of business. Mr. Murphy is a native of 
this state, and was born in McLuney, Perry 
County, June 14, i86j. His father, John Mur- 
l)li\-, was born in Ci.>uiit>- Wicklow, Ireland, and 
made the journey to the New World with his 
parents when a latl of f(.)nrteen years. 

The grandparents of our subject first located in 
New York State, but soon removed to Ohio, and 
in 187 1 made their home in Marion Count_\-, 
where John died in 18S9. The maiden name 
of our subject's mother was Catherine Gormley. 
She was al.so born in the Emerald Isle, claiming 
County Longford as the place of her birth. She 
is now living in Marion with her son Daniel W. 

Our subject was the youngest son but one in 
the parental family of six children. Francis V. 
died at the age of twenty-one years; William P. is 
engaged in the grocery business in Marion, which 
branch of trade Thomas J. and Michael H. follow 
in partnership, conducting a splendid trade un- 
der the name of MiU'phy Bros. 

Our subject lived on the home farm until at- 
taining his eighteenth \'ear, in the mean time ac- 
quiring such an education as could be gained by 
attendance at the connnon schools. Desirous of 
gaining a start for himself, he found work in the 
shops of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Companj' 
at Newark, this state, entering as an apprentice. 
After serving the allotted time, he was emploj-ed 
in the shops of the Big Four Railroad Company 



428 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



at Delaware, with which company he remained 
for a period of three j-ears. He was next en- 
gaged b}- the Florida Southern Road, being fore- 
man in their shops at Palatka, Fla. At the ex- 
piration of three years he returned to Ohio and 
at once entered the employ of the Malleable Iron 
Works. Subseciueiitly for two years he was fore- 
man of the annealing department, and was then 
made Superintendent of the works. In 1892, 
however, he was made General Manager, in 
which capacitj- his superior judgment, long ex- 
perience and thorough knowledge of the business 
are greatly in demand. He is one of the stock- 
holders of the company, and a practical, wide- 
awake business man, making fur himself a name 
of enduring value in the city. 

Mr. Murpliy was married, in 1S87, to Miss 
Kate, daughter of Dennis Brenan. They became 
the parents of four children, of whom two are de- 
ceased. The two who survive are Francis Vin- 
cent, aged six j-ears, and Kate Agnes, three years 
old. Our .subject has always been in .sympathy 
with the mea.sures of the Democracj-. 






(lOHN B. SKVMOUR is well known through- 
I out Hardin and adjoining counties. He is 
v2/ extensively engaged in the buying and sell- 
ing of grain, and also carries on a large trade in 
butter, eggs and poultrj-. Through energy, com- 
bined with perseverance, honesty and wi.se judg- 
ment, he has gained a competency and a leading 
position among the representative and successful 
business men of Kenton. 

Referring to the ancestral history of Mr. Sey- 
mour, we find that liis paternal grandfather, John 
Seymour, was a native of Hartford, Conn., and 
was the son of a Captain in the Revolutionary 
War. In 1824 he came to Ohio, traveling by 
wagon to Buffalo, and thence by the schooner 
"Red Jacket," Captain Walker connnanding. 
Arriving in Ohio, he settled on the prairie twelve 
miles from Lake lirie and on the Wvandot Indian 



trail from Upper Sandusky to Huron. Later re- 
moving to Huron County, he settled upon a small 
farm in Lime Township, where he remained un- 
til his death, at the age of ninety-two. For thir- 
ty-eight j'ears he was Clerk of the township. 

The maternal grandmother of our subject was 
Sarah A. Thacher, a native of Massachusetts and 
a member of a family whose connection witli the 
history of New England began with the landing 
of the Pilgrim Fathers. Thomas Thacher, her 
father, was the first pastor of the old South 
Church of Boston. There have been thirteen 
generations of the family in America, and in each 
of them there was a minister and a son named 
Thomas. Mrs. John Seymour died at the age of 
eightj'-six years. She had a brother, Washing- 
ton, who was a Presbyterian minister, and was a 
resident of New York State for many years be- 
fore his death. George Washington vSeymour, 
her brother-in-law, was also a preacher in the 
Presbyterian Church. 

W. H. Seymour, father of our subject, was 
born in Susquehanna County, Pa., July 18, 1821, 
and was the next to the eldest of the family of 
three sons and three daughters, liliza, the eld- 
est, married De Witt Ballard, a merchant of Cort- 
land, N. Y., where he died. Afterward his wife 
and two children went to Chicago, where his son, 
Page Ballard, has for twenty-five years been con- 
nected with the house of J. V. Farwell & Co. 
Minnie married E. G. Schumway, and lives in 
Chicago; George W., who was a farmer and a 
Deacon in the Presbyterian Church, died at six- 
ty-nine years of age; Sarah married William 
Blair, the wealthy hardware merchant of Chica- 
go; John A. is a Presbyterian preacher, and lives 
in Cleveland, Ohio; and Nellie is the wife of J. M. 
Stolt/, and lives in Lime Towiisliip, Eric County, 
Ohio. 

At the time his parents came to Ohio, W. H. 
Seymour was only three years old. His educa- 
tional advantages were exceedingly limited, as he 
was obliged to become self-supporting at an early 
age. Wlien twelve years old he became clerk in 
a store in Monroe, Mich., and a year later went 
to Geneva, N. Y., where he learned the tinner's 
trade. This occupation he followed in different 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



429 



places until twenty \'ears of age, when he em- 
barked in business on his own account at Belle- 
vue, ( )hio. In i.Ssi he came to Hardin Count}', 
and, settling" at Patterson, engaged in the mer- 
cantile, stock and grain business, which he con- 
tinued at that place until 1876, the date of his re- 
mm-al to Kenton. vSiiice the death of his wife, in 
Janiiar>', 1893, he has made his home with his son- 
in-law. Joseph Timmons. As were his ancestors 
for many generations, he is a Presbyterian and a 
leader in his church. Socially he is a Mason and 
one of the oldest members of the order in Ohio. 

The mother of our subject, lUiza, was born in 
Erie County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Elijah 
Beemis, a native of Ma.ssachusetts and a pioneer 
of Erie County, where he died at the age of sixty- 
seven. vShe had a lirother and a sister, the for- 
mer of whom, Samuel, lives on the old homestead 
in Erie County. Our subject was born in Belle- 
vue, Ohio, January 2, 1849, and was next to the 
ekle.st of the family of two sons and two daugh- 
ters. Maria, his elder sister, married O. E. 
I^ewis, vSecretary and manager of a large manu- 
factory in Boston, Ma.ss. Hattie is the wife of 
Jo.seph Timmons, a w-ealthy grain dealer and real- 
estate owner of Kenton. The younger brother, 
W. G., is in the office of his brother-in-law in 
Bo.ston. 

When the famil\- removed to Patterson, our 
sulrject was two years old. He received a liberal 
education, completing his studies in the Milan 
Normal School when eighteen. He then went to 
Chicago, where he became clerk in the wholesale 
hardware store of his uncle, William Blair, re- 
maining in his employ for six years. At the ex- 
piration of that time he opened a mercantile store 
at Areola, 111., conducting business there for three 
years. In 1875 he came to Kenton, where he 
engaged in the grain business with T. ^\^ Har- 
ris, but after one year his father bought out the 
interest of Mr. Harris, and from that time until 
1893 the two were together. 

The marriage of Mr. Seymour united liim with 
Miss Paulina Heym, of Milwaukee, Wis., the 
daughter of a veteran of the Civil War. He was 
made a Mason in 1873, and is now a Knight 
Templar, Master of the blue lodge, and Captain 



of the hosts in chapter. In politics, like his fa- 
ther, he is a strong ailherent of Rejniblican prin- 
ciples, supporting his cho.sen party with liis bal-. 
lot and influence. The enterprises originated for 
the promotion of the welfare <if the people receive 
his cordial support, and he may justly be num- 
bered among the progressive citizens of Kenton. 



<x:•^••5•■f•5••^•3•+•^••5••5••5••^^•5••J••t••^-^•^•^•5••^•5•+•^•X' 



<^HOMAS G. HUDSON has dwelt on .sec- 
f C tion 10, Big Island Township, Marion 
\^ County, for the past thirteen ^ears, and is 
considered one of the most enterprising and thrift)- 
farmers hereabouts. Prior to this he was for some 
time engaged in business in Marion as a member 
of the firm of Kawalke & Hudson, dealers in 
furniture, and managers of an untlertaking estab- 
lishment. 

The father of the abo\'e gentleman, John Hud- 
son, was a native of Yorkshire, England, liorn 
May ID, 1815, and in May, 1834, crossed the At- 
lantic. Settling in this count)-, he engaged in the 
butcher's business until 1846, when he com- 
menced buying stock. At the end of nine years 
he began buying land, and at the time of his 
death his possessions amounted to three hundred 
and ninety-five acres. Februar\- 24, 1835, he mar- 
ried Mary, daughter of John and Jane (Stewart) 
Rice, who were natives of New England, but 
came to Ohio at a very earlj- day. Our subject 
is one of five children, the others being: Isabella, 
born in 1S37, and now- married; John H., Samuel 
and Joseph E. Samuel is a farmer of this count)-, 
living in Marion Township, and the other broth- 
ers are decea.sed. 

Thomas G. Hud.son was born January 18, 1846, 
and grew to man's estate under the parental roof. 
For four years previous to his marriage he was in 
partnership with his father on the homestead, and 
thus obtained a start in life. Later he purchased 
a part of that farm and cultivated the same for 
seven years. Desiring then to enter the commer- 
cial world, he went to Marion, as before men- 



430 



PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAPH'CAL RECORD. 



tioued, but eventually returned to his former vo- 
cation. His farm is a place of some fort5--eight 
acres, well adapted to general purposes, and on 
which he has made all the improvements. 

September 17, 1868, Mr. Hudson married Lu- 
cinda E., daughter of David and Lucy (Thayer) 
Mouser, who were born in Ohio and Virginia, re- 
spectively, but were early settlers of this county. 
Both our .subject and his wife are natives of this 
county and ha\-e spent the main part of their lives 
here. 

The imion of Mr. and Mrs. Hudson has been 
graced by the following children: Samuel G. , born 
May 20, 1871: Florence, January 7, 1873; Edwin, 
May 4, 1874; Mary, January 4, 1876; Byron, 
January 6, 1878; Daisy D., June 8, 1879; Lulu L, 
August 6, 1880; Estella, April 11, 1882; John 
D., April 4, 1884; Bertha T., May 28, 1886; and 
Harrj- V., Januarj- 3, 1891. Florence died Sep- 
tember 29, 1873; Byron, June 23, 1878; Daisy, 
September 16, 1879; and Estella, May 26, 1882. 
The parents are members of the Free Baptist de- 
nomination and support all worthy charities. 
The former is a Democrat in his political belief, 
and he possesses rare qualities of heart and mind, 
which have gained for him the friendship of a 
large circle of acquaintances. 



Sii^, 



l(s). _sMws .(Sj 



(TAMF:S W. KF:NXEDY, a prosperous farm- 
I er of Big Island Town.ship, Marion Countj', 
C2/ owns a finely improved homestead on section 
10. He is ever found in the front ranks of all new 
enterprises and is a friend to education and prog- 
ress. His farm lands aggregate some three hun- 
dred and eighteen acres, and on his home place 
there stands a substantial two-.story brick resi- 
dence. 

In 1832 a bright youth by the name of William 
Kennedy four subject's father) came to this local- 
ity from his native .state, Pennsylvania, and for a 



time worked for farmers by the month. He 
made the best of his advantages, and at last be- 
came a school teacher, receiving at first only $1 1 
a month. Subsequently he rented a farm, and 
later was the owner of a good one himself. He 
made a success of his various undertakings, de- 
voted himself mainly to stock-raising, and finally 
became the owner of about eight hundred acres of 
land. 

About 1844 N\ illiam Kennedy married Marga- 
ret Shank, who died June 2, i860. Two years 
later Mr. Kennedy wedded Mary Lance, who is 
still living, and whose only child is now Mrs. E. 
Jones, of Crawford Countj-, Ohio. To the first 
marriage of our subject's father there were born 
the following children: Nancy, deceased; Jane, 
Mrs. Baker, of Crawford County; Thomas, a resi- 
dent of the same county; Martha, Mrs. George 
Watts, whose death occurred in March, 1883; 
James; Emma, Mrs. Madison Roberts, of this 
county; Anzilla, Mrs. George Watts, of Crawford 
County; and Margaret E., Mrs. John Hill. 

James W. Kennedj- was born November 8, 
1853, and was given a good general education, 
such a one as would fit him for life's duties. His 
father gave him substantial assistance when he 
began farming on his own account. In 1S83 he 
purchased two hundred and fifteen acres, and a 
year later bought seventeen acres more. Again, 
in 1886, he became the owner of another tract, 
containing eighty-six acres. 

September 21, 1880, Mr. Kennedy married 
Emma, daughter of P. W. and Adelia (Kilborn) 
Holverstatt, natives of this county. The latter 
died August 3, 1890, but the father is still living. 
For years he has been a worker in the Bai)tist 
Church, and is identified with the Republican 
party. Mrs. Kennedy is one of five children, 
the others being Clarence K.; Ida L. , deceased; 
Alicc*A., Mrs. Smith, who is living on the old 
homestead; and one who died in infancy un- 
named. The union of our subject and wife has been 
blessed with five children: Mabel Edna, born July 
29, 1881; Iithel Grace, March 24, 1885; Clarence 
Merle, December 21, 1886; Fred Laverne, Octo- 
ber 17, 1888; and Lois Elberta, March 7, 1892. 
Fred Laverne died September 25, 1889. 



' J 







PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



433 



While Mr. Kennedy has alway been an adher- 
ent of the Democrac)-, he, in connnon with many 
others, does not give his sanction to the present 
administration and policy, and if they continue in 
their course he may transfer his allegiance. In 
his religious belief he is a Free-Will liaptist, as is 
also Mrs. Kennedy, and holds niembership in the 
church at Ruth. 



gKN. MOSES B. WALKER, LL.D. There 
are few of the residents of Ohio who are un- 
familiar with the name introducing this 
sketch. It is that of a gentleman who, alike 
upon the field of battle and in ci\-ic affairs, has 
ably represented his fellow-citizens, and has 
championed with sword and pen the cause of 
truth and justice. Though now in the twilight 
of Hie and a constant sufferer from wounds re- 
ceived in active conflict, his mental powers have 
undergone no diminution, but his intellect is as 
keen as in the days gone by. 

The "hero of Chickamauga" was l)orn in Fair- 
field County, Ohio, July i6, 1819. John Walker, 
the original progenitor of the family in America, 
came hither from England with Lord Baltimore, 
and settled in what subsequenth- became Carroll 
Manor, in Maryland. The General's grandfather, 
Ignatius Walker, was killed in the battle of 
Eutaw Springs, during the Revolutionary War. 
He was an intimate friend of the illustrious 
Charles Carroll, of Carrollton. As early as 1798 
John Walker, our subject's father, came to Ohio 
and .settled near Chillicothe, in the vScioto Valley, 
where he aided in erecting the famous block- 
house for the protection of the settlers from the 
attacks of the Indians. In the War of 18 12 he 
served as a soldier with the conuuission of Lieu- 
tenant. During his early years he adhered to the 
Catholic Church, which was the faith of his fore- 
fathers, but later he left the Roman Church and 
joined the Methodist Church, in which he was 
afterward an active worker. 



Removing to Iowa in 1S42. John Walker 
located large tracts of land on the Des Moines 
River, in \'an Bureii Countw where he died about 
1850. He was a niau of more than ordinary edu- 
cation and possessed wonderful will power. He 
was a perfect specimen of physical manhood, being 
six feet in height, and with a military bearing, due 
in part to his service in the War of 18 12. His 
wife, Mary Davis, was an aunt of the now famous 
Henry Winter Davis. Her ancestors were early 
settlers of Marvland, and her father, a Revolu- 
tionary .soldier, died from the effects of wounds 
received in the battle of Eutaw Springs. From 
her FVench ancestors .she inherited the versatility 
characteristic of that nation. In manj- respects 
she was a remarkable woman, and through care- 
ful study gained a thorough knowledge of medi- 
cine and surgery ( which was more uiuisual in 
those days than at present). This knowledge 
rendered her presence and counsel invaluable 
among the pioneer residents of her localitw .She 
was a devout Christian, a faithful wife and loving 
miither. Her death occurred in Iowa about 1857. 

General Walker was the youngest of five sons 
and ne-\t to the youngest of nine children. His 
brother, Rev. George W. Walker, for many years 
one of the most prominent Methodist ministers of 
Ohio, was a preacher in that church for thirty- 
three years, until his death in 1S56. His memoirs 
were published by a friend some years ago and 
were extensively .sold. John I)., a farmer and 
local preacher, died at Chariton, Iowa, at eighty- 
three >-ears of age. Zachariah, who lived in 
Iowa, was a successful farmer and stockman of 
that state, and was at one time a memljer of the 
Legislature, but is now deceased. Peter, who 
was a skillful physician, was surgeon in the Fif- 
teenth Iowa Infantr)' during the Civil War and 
lost his life in his country's cause, dying .soon 
after the battle of ArkaiLsas Post. 

Prior to the age of sixteen )-ears our subject 
resided on his father's farm, meantime attending 
the neighboring schools. When seventeen j-ears 
of age he entered the freshman class of Augusta 
College, in Kentucky, being allowed to enter 
that class upon cnndition that he should bring 
the studies in which he was deficient up to the 



434 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



standard, and in this he was successful; but in 
accomplishing it he impaired his health, so that 
after two j-ears he was obliged to relinquish his 
college studies for a time. After regaining his 
health and through the assistance of his brother, 
Rev. G. W., who took upon him.self the respon- 
sibility of giving him an education, he entered the 
Woodward Preparatorj- vSchool of Cincinnati. 
Two years later he became a student in Yale 
College, where he spent three years, l^nfortun- 
ately, close confinement to his books caused him 
to again lose his health, and he was oljliged to 
abandon study for a time. 

As .soon as able to resume work, our subject en- 
tered, as a law .student, the office of Judge William 
A. Rodgers, of Springfield, Ohio, where he re- 
mained one year. His .studies were continued in 
the office of Judge Jo.seph H. Crane, of Dayton, 
after which he attended lectures at the Cincin- 
nati Law School, graduating in the Class of '45. 
He then formed a partnership with H. V. R. 
Lord, opening a law office in Da\ ton and another 
in GermaiUown, with himself in charge of the 
former and Mr. Lord of the latter. 

From the time of entering the legal profe.s.sion, 
our .subject was closely identified with public 
affiiirs. He also took an active part in military 
matters, and at the breaking out of the Mexican 
War held the commission of Major of Cavalry in 
the state troops. This he resigned to raise a com- 
pany of infantry, but before the organization was 
completed an order came to accept no more 
troops. Therefore, while standing ready, he saw 
no active service in that war. He continued his 
law practice in partnership with Mr. Lord until 
the death of the latter, when he associated with 
himself Judge G. B. Holt, an eminent lawyer, 
who for twenty-one years was on the IJench. The 
firm name then became Walker, Holt & Walker, 
the junior member being a son of his brother 
John. 

At the opening of the Civil War Mr. Walker 
promptly tendered his services, and was commis- 
.sioncd Captain of the Twelfth Infantry in the 
regular army. Through the influence of his 
friend, Salmon P. Chase, and by Governor Den- 
nison, he was appointed Colonel of the Thirty- 



first Ohio Infantrj-, at the first call for three hun- 
dred thousand volunteers, and was a.ssigned to 
the Army of the Cumberland inider General 
Thomas. He first distinguished himself at the 
battle of Perry ville. His well known ability and 
his high standing in Ohio caused General Rose- 
crans to send him to Ohio to recruit and organ- 
ize troops, wdiicli at that time was a more dan- 
gerous position than facing rebel guns on the 
battlefield. It was an open secret that in parts 
of Ohio the rebel feeling was quite as .strong as in 
the South, but Colonel Walker, who had never 
been known to .shirk a duty, and who knew no 
such word as "fear," did not hesitate to carry 
out the request of his superior officer. In many 
places he was well received, but in the hot- 
beds of secession in this state he was hooted 
and jeered at, and was more than once shot 
at. His stirring speeches cau.sed intense excite- 
ment, and finally he prepared an address to the 
citizens of Ohio, which was printed and sent 
broadca.st over the state. In this he did not 
merely ask that the citizens stand by the Union 
and the flag of their forefathers, but he demanded 
that they do so. After the first demonstration of 
disapproval, the good effects of this circular were 
.seen. His campaign was a most successful one 
and received favorable comment from the press 
throughout the countr\-. 

After accomplishing this great task Colonel 
Walker returned to the front in time to connnand 
his regiment at the battle of Stone River, where 
he bore a gallant and honorable part as com- 
mander of the First Brigade of the Third Divi.sion, 
Fourteenth Army Corps. At the battle of Chick- 
amauga he received a severe wound, but kept his 
saddle, and with the blood flowing from his 
wound he commanded his brigade. During a 
speech in Ohio at the time of the Garfield cam- 
paign. Gen. James B. Stedman, who had been 
given the name of "Old Chickamauga," i>ublicly 
stated that General Walker was the real hero of 
Chickamauga. The latter, the morning after the 
battle, was publicly commended by the com- 
manding officer for his daring and conspicuous 
bravery. The officers of General Thomas' corps 
met on the night of the 21st of September, after 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



435 



the battle, and passed resolutions to have a gold 
medal struck, to weigh not less than $50, and to 
be engraved with suitable emblems and devices — 
this to be presented to General Walker for his 
bravery and gallantry. 

The conunission of Brigadier-General was given 
our subject March 27, 1865, and on a sword pre- 
sented to him by the officers of the Thirty-first 
are inscribed the names of the l)attles in which he 
led them. They are Corinth, Perry ville, vStone 
River, Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, Rock Face 
Ridge, Resaca, Daltou, Big Shanty, Lookout 
Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochie 
River, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Joiie.sboro and 
Nashville, l^pon being nurstered out of the vol- 
unteer service he entered the regular army and 
served until May 19, 1866, when, on account of 
his wounds, he was placed on the retired list with 
$281 per month retired pay for life. 

On returning North, General Walker engaged 
in the practice of law in Findlay, Ohio, btit in 
1868 he was sent 1)>' the Government to Texas to 
assi.st in the reconstruction of that state. After 
.serving for a time in a military capacity, he was 
appointed to a seat on the District Bench, and later 
to the vSupreme Bench of Texas, on which he 
served until the state was reconstructed. He 
then came back to (jhio, selected Kenton as his 
future home, and commenced the practice of law 
with his son Willis. In 1879 he retired from 
the profession, since which time he has made his 
home on his farm in the suburbs of the city. Of 
late years he has suffered much from the wounds 
received during the war, one of the balls that he 
still carries in his limb giving him much pain. 

General Walker has been twice married. His 
first wife was Maria C. Van Skoick, a descendant 
of old Knickerbocker stock, who left at her death 
three children, namely: John O. ; Mary E., wife 
of John T. CarHn; and Nettie, Mrs. Edward Cul- 
len. His present wife is the daughter of Dr. Hitt 
and a cousin of Congressman Hitt, of Illinois. 
Of their nine children seven are living, one hav- 
ing died unnamed in infancy. Willis, formerly 
one of the most able attorneys of the state, died 
some time ago in Spokane, Wash. Harriet is 
the wife of Dr. Tyson, a prominent physician of 



Kenton. Mo.selle, who is at home, is an artist 
of superior ability, his works in oils and water 
colors having received the warmest commenda- 
tion from art critics. George is engaged in 
teaching. Bessie married Metellus Thomson, 
son of the late Colonel Thomson, one of the most 
extensive mercliants of central Ohio, with large 
stores in Kenton and Lima. Frank AL is a mer- 
chant of Kenton. Mae L., who is at home, has 
received the benefit of fine mu.sical culture and is 
an artist in the profession. Dell Lamar, who is 
at home, has likewise received good educational 
advantages. Socially General Walker is a ^Lason 
and an Odd F^ellow, and is especially interested 
in the Grand Army of the Republic, attending 
all the meetings of the post when his health per- 
mits. Li politics he is a stanch Repid)lican. 



D^(^ 



r"ENTON GARWOOD. Among the worthy 
1^ farmers of Hardin County, it is but just to 
I say that Mr. Garwood occupies a conspicu- 
ous and honorable place, for he has always been 
honest, industrious and enterprising, and as a re- 
sult he has met with more than ordinary success. 
He is a man well known in agricultural circles, 
and is recognized as a careful, energetic farmer, 
who I))- his advanced ideas has done much to im- 
prove the farming interests of Pleasant Township. 
Though with advancing years he has been obliged 
to abandon much of the manual labor in which 
he formerly engaged, he still maintains a general 
supervision of his estate, and its valuable im- 
provements are due largely to his intelligent over- 
sight. 

Born near Zanesfiekl, Logan County, Ohio, 
September 26, iSig, the subject of this sketch is 
the son of Jesse and Sidney (Gregg) Garwood. 
His father, who was born in Crawford County, 
Pa., about 1785, was reared in the place of his 
birth, and after arriving at man's estate went to 
visit an uncle in Fayette County. There he mar- 
ried Miss Gregg about 1814, and after the birth 



436 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of one child he brought his family to Ohio, in 
1816, settling in Logan County, six miles east of 
Bellefontaine. In 1832 he moved to Wyandot 
County, making his home near Upper Sandusky 
for three j'ears. Thence in 1835 he came to Har- 
din County and settled in Marion Township, but 
after ten or twelve years he moved to Henry 
County, where he died at the age of seventy-six. 
His life occupation was that of an agriculturist, 
in which he met with success. During the War 
of 18 1 2 he rendered loyal service as a soldier, en- 
listing in Crawford County, Pa. 

The paternal grandfather of our .subject, Joseph 
Garwood, was born in Penn.sylvania, probably in 
Fayette County. He was a skilled sportsman, and 
retained his mental vigor and physical strength 
to an advanced age. About 1824 he visited his 
son Jesse in Logan County, Ohio, and bought 
some land there, but never settled in this state. 
During the Indian War he served as Captain. 
His death occurred in Lake County, 111., where 
he had moved. His body was taken to Pennsyl- 
vania for interment, and our subject has seen his 
grave when on a visit there. The lad\- whom he 
married was Miss Hannah Fenton. She accom- 
panied her parents to this country, settling in 
Kentucky. 

The great-grandfather of our subject, Obed 
Garwood, was a descendant of one of the three 
Garwoods who came from Ivngland to America 
in company with William Penn. The family lor 
many generations was identified with the Society 
of Friends, and our subject's parents worshiped 
with the Quakers in Logan County. The mother 
of our subject was born in Fayette County, Pa., 
June 17, 1787, and died May 6, 1831. She was 
a daughter of Nimrod and Catherine (John.son) 
Gregg, who spent their entire lives in Pennsyl- 
vania and there died. Of their family of eight 
children, Sidney was the next to the eldest. 

The parental family numbered nine children, 
named as follows: HaniG., who died in Marion 
Townsliip, Hardin County; Isaac, who died in 
Kansas about 1S83; Fenton; Acenith, who died 
in Iowa; Hannah, a resident of Ada, Ohio; Joseph, 
wlio j)a.ssed away in Minnesota; Lydia, wife of 
JacobSnyder, of Iowa; Catherine, widow of James 



\\'illiams, and a resident of Ada, Ohio; and Cj'n- 
thia, wife of Ilavilla Bowles, a veteran of the 
Civil War. 

In youth our subject attended school in Logan 
County. At the age of sixteen he accompanied 
his parents to Upper Sandusky, where he worked 
on a farm until twentj- -three years of age. After 
his marriage he began farming upon an eighty- 
acre tract belonging to his father, and situated in 
Marion Township, Hardin County. vSix or seven 
years were spent on that place, and he then moved 
to Iowa and purchased a farm sixteen miles above 
the city of Des Moines, on the river of that name. 
He engaged in tilling the soil there nine years, 
and in the summer of 1862 returned to Hardin 
County and bought a farm in Lynn Township. 
In 1874 he purchased the farm where he has .since 
resided. This consisted originally of one hundred 
and sixty acres, but he has disposed of a portion 
of the property to his son, an intelligent and ca- 
pable young farmer, who superintends the home 
place. 

November 15, 1842, Mr. Garwood was united 
in marriage with Miss Mary J^yons, their wed- 
ding being solemnized in Marion Township. This 
estimable lady was the elder of two daughters 
born to William and Sarah (Garver) Lj'ons. She 
was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in June, 
1825, and died in Lynn Township, Hardin Coun- 
ty, February 16, 1873. In religious belief she 
was a devoted member of the Methodi.st Episco- 
pal Church, and in that faith she reared her chil- 
dren. In politics Mr. Garwood is a Republican, 
having supported the principles of that party 
since its organization. Among the local offices 
which he has filled are those of School Director 
and Supervi.sor. 

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Garwood result- 
ed in the birth of eleven children. Sidney, a 
daughter, and the eldest of tlie famil\-, died in in- 
fancy. Sarah Ann married Silas Rohr, of Holt 
County, Neb. Jesse pa.ssed from earth when an 
infant. Ivucebia, Mrs. Joseph Kahley, lives in 
southwestern Iowa. Nancy, wife of Robert Ben- 
nett, makes her liome in Lincoln County, S. Dak. 
William lives on a farm adjoining the old home- 
stead. Sibyl is the wife of Henry Gordon, of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



439 



Loup Ci)unty, Neb. Ilslier, who was born Jan- 
uary 19, 1.S57, is a successful agriculturist, and 
is assisting his father in the management of the 
home place; he married, January 21, i<886. Miss 
Minerva Obenour, who was born in Hardin Coun- 
ty, Ohio, January 21, 1S62. Lydia died in girl- 
hood. Harriet is the wife of John Wass, of Lin- 
coln Count\-, .S. Dak. Obed, the j'oungest of the 
family, li\-es in Kenton. 



3<)HN J. .SLOAN, the leading architect of 
Marion, is one of the city's active and most 
public-. spirited citizens, promoting her liest 
interests in every way. He is a man of unusually 
good judgment, and has any amount of ]nish 
and energy. He was born near Kenton, Hardin 
County, March 23, 1854, while his father, Thomas 
.Sloan, was a native of Ireland, the latter's father 
having emigrated to that country from Scotland 
at a very earl}' day. 

Thomas Sloan made the trip to America in 
1832, and, engaging in railroad work, in time 
became an extensive contractor. He built what 
was known as the Mad River Road, running from 
Forest to Bellefontaine, and which is now a part 
of the Big Four System. He invested his money 
from time to time in land, and when advancing 
years warned him that he nuist cease from ardu- 
ous labor, he retired to ;i \-aluable estate, which 
he left to his family at the time of his decease, in 
1 88 1. 

The lady whom Tliomas Sloan married in 1852 
was Eliza Sloan, a native of the North of Ireland, 
who although bearing the same name was not a 
relative. They became the parents of five sons, 
of whom John J., of this sketch, is the eldest. 
His brothers are Rol)ert, William, Thomas and 
George. His boyhood days were passed on the 
home farm ami in attendance at the public 
.schools. He early manifested great genius in 
the art of building, and, choosing this for his vo- 
cation in life, made a study of this business, and 



has supplemented his knowledge l)y extensive 
traveling. In order that he might have better 
advantages for obtaining knowledge in this par- 
ticular line, he remo\ed to Marion, and after be- 
ginning in business for him.self it was not long 
before his ser\-ices were in great ileniand. To 
him is gi\'en the credit of erecting many of the 
first large buildings of the city, besiiles numerous 
residences of later architectural design. Aside 
from this business, he has large real-e.state inter- 
ests in Hardin County, and is also one of the 
heirs to his father's valuable property, wdiich is 
now under the management of his mother. 

J. J. vSloan and Miss Mabel Walter were mar- 
ried in Rushsylvania, Ohio, October 14, 1S80. 
The lady was the daughter of Capt. J. C. and 
Ivliza ( Carson) Walter. The only son born to 
them, a lad of nine years, bears the name of 
Thomas Walter. Our subject is a member of the 
Order of Elks, the National Union, Junior Order 
United American Mechanics, and of the Com- 
mandery of that order. He is also a member of 
the order of Ben Hur. Mr. .Sloan is a strong 
Republican in politics, and as a devoted member 
of the Presbyterian Church contributes liberally 
of his means toward its support. He is a pleas- 
ant, affable and courteous gentleman, and no 
worth)- movement in the city is allowed to fail for 
want of support on his part. 



(lOHN A. BOWER has made his home in Tay- 
I lor Creek Township, Hardin County, since 
Q) 1.S81, when he purchased his present farm on 
Sur\-ey 10,500. During the late war he was one of 
the boys who donned the blue and went to the 
front to fight the battles of his country. He has 
always been a hard-working, indu.strious man, 
and by his sterling characteristics and good quali- 
ties has won the respect and admiration of all 
who know him. He is thoroughly in sympathy 
with all modern ideas of progress, and his in- 
fluence is always to be found on the side of order 
and good govermuent. 



440 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



The parents of our subject, Peter and Amy 
(Rodgers) Bower, were natives of Ohio. The 
former moved with his parents to Logan County 
when in his sixteenth year, and on attaining his 
majority was married. After that event he con- 
tinued to dwell on the old homestead and assist in 
its management, and in 1S64 moved to Harper, 
that county, and rented a piece of land, living 
thereon for some three years. He then purchased 
fifty acres of .second-hand land near Big Springs, 
and cultivated the place until 1891, when he re- 
turned to Harper, and for the pa.st year or more 
has lived a retired life. He was one of the pio- 
neers of Logan County, and is one of those who 
helped to establish it on a firm basis. He is a 
member of the Disciples Church, politically is a 
Democrat, and has served his fellow-townsmen as 
Trustee, Supervisor and School Director. 

Nine children graced the union of Peter and 
Amy Bower, namely: Levi; John A.; Eliza Jane, 
who died in July, 1843; Susan C, Mrs. Isaiah Cor- 
win, residing near Big Springs, Logan County; 
Lucretia, wife of Martin McAdams, of Rush 
Creek Township, Logan County; Joseph H., who 
married Emma Corwin and is a farmer of Warren 
County, Tenn.; Marion A., deceased; James O., 
who married Ellen Brittou, and is a farmer of 
this township; and Mary J. , who is the wife of Rob- 
ert McConnick and resides in Warren County, 111. 

The birth of John A. Bower occurred Augu.st 
26, 1840, near Rush.sylvania, Logan County, 
Ohio, and in his boyhood he attended the local 
.schools. He had not yet attained his majority 
when the war came on, but June 8, 1861, he en- 
listed in Company E, Thirteenth Ohio Infantry, 
under Captain Gardner, and after being in Camp 
Deunison for about thirty days was sent to West 
\'irgiiiia. At Caruifax Eerrj' he took part in 
his first battle, then was in camp for a time, after 
which he advanced to Cotton Mountain and then 
retreated. A few days later he was sent down 
the Ohio River to Louisville and transferred to 
the western branch of the army. His company 
guarded a railroad bridge near Nolin, Hardin 
County, Ky., from Deceml)er i until February 15, 
when they marched to Howling (ireen and took 
the town. Thence, going to Nashville, they 



joined the command and advanced to Savan- 
nah, Ga., arriving there April 6. In the bat- 
tle of Shiloh his Captain, I. R. Gardner, was 
wounded, and then followed shortly afterward the 
first siege of Corinth, from which point he re- 
turned to Louisville. In the engagement at 
Stone River Mr. Bower was a member of the 
Pioneer Corps and helped to put up a blockade. 
In July he helped to cut one thousand cords 
of wood for the Government, after which he was 
sent to Stevenson, Ala., where for six weeks his 
sendees were required in erecting Government 
buildings. Later, going to Chattanooga, he helped 
to place pontoon bridges acro.ss the Tennessee 
River, while the liattle of Chickamauga was in 
progress. After the battle he was employed on 
the fort for some time, and wintered there. The 
next .spring he participated in the Atlanta cam- 
paign, and was finally discharged, June 24, 1864, 
at Nashville. 

On his return from the war, Mr. Bower resumed 
farming on the old homestead. The next .spring 
he moved to Jefferson Township, where he opera- 
ted a farm for three years, and in 1S68 went to 
Iowa, staying there about a year. In 1S69 he 
went to Colorado, and for the succeeding three 
years worked on a cattle ranch near Pueblo. 
Coming back to Ohio, he carried on his mother's 
farm nearly two years, and then moved to Rush 
Creek Township. In 188 1, as previously men- 
tioned, he became a resident of this locality, and 
at that time purchased sixty-five acres of John 
H. Cunningham. Only eighteen acres had been 
cleared, and .since then Mr. Bower has cleared 
about forty acres more. There were a log cabin 
and a barn on the place, but they have been suc- 
ceeded by new and modern structures. Mr. Bow- 
er is rapidly advancing in pro.sperity and has 
only himself to thank for his rise to a position of 
influence in the comnuuiity. As a general farm- 
er he is verj- successful, and he is especially in- 
terested in raising fine poultry. 

Novemlaer 5, 1872, Mr. Bower and Nancy C. 
Corwin were united in marriage. The lady was 
born July 17, 1S51, and is a daughter of Daniel 
and Nancy (Williams) Corwin. Of her brothers 
and sisters we note the following: George, a 



PORTRAIT AND RIOORAl'IIICAL RECORD. 



441 



farmer of Hale Township, this ccmnly, married 
Jane Edcl)-; Alexander wedded Louisa Rruger, 
and lives in Oklahoma; Si.dda is deceased; Mary 
is the wife of Jacob Vassar, a well known resident 
of this township; James married Sarah Nelson 
and lives in Minnesota; and Anna, Mrs. James 
Wliite, makes her home in Ridgevva\-, Ohio. To 
the marria<;e of our subject and his wife there 
have been bcirn four children: Myrta A., March 6, 
1H75; <)liver P., December iS, 1.S77; Minnie, 
December 15, 1.S79; and Ma.^gie L., September 
25, 1883. 

Mr. Bower has served as a School Director sev- 
eral times, but has never been an aspirant for offi- 
cial honor, though he is active in his supjiort of 
the Democracy. lie belongs to Kenton Lodge 
No. 14, r. \'. r. rjiright and just in all his 
dealings, he will lea\e to his children what is far 
better than wealth, an untarnished name. 



< 



> 






0A\'ID HIVELY, who is one of the leading 
I'armers and also one of the largest tax-pay- 
ers of Hardin County, has a fine estate, sit- 
uated on sections i and 12, Marion Township. 
He is a native of this state, and was born in Col- 
umbiana County, January 14, 1824. His parents 
were Daniel and Barbara (Obenhowor) Hivel}^ 
who were married in the above county in 1822. 

Daniel Hively, it is suppo.sed, was born in 
the Empire State, as it was from that .state that 
his father emigrated to Ohio in a very early day, 
settling in Columbiana County. There Daniel 
re.sided until his death, about 1836. His mother 
passed her last days with him on the home farm, 
Ijeing at the time of her death, which occurred 
early in the '30s, about sixty years of age. 

Barbara Obenhowor was born not far from 
Johnstown, Pa., in 1800, and died in 1865, at the 
re.sidence of her son, ,Samuel Hively, of Wash- 
ington Township, this county. David, of this 
sketch, attended the district schools of Colum- 



biana County until attainin;.,' Iiis majority. I'or 
five years longer he resided under the ])arental 
roof, and on coming to Hardin County, which 
he did about that time, was married. He then 
returned to Columbiana County, ])acked together 
his belongings and located with his wife in Goshen 
Township, in the e.-islern portion of the countw 
Here he resided on a tract of eighty acres, which 
had been entered by his lather, and U]:)on selling 
it some >ears Liter bought the jiropcrt}- which 
behjnged to his wife's brothers and sisters in 
Cessna Township. He lived on that place until 
November, 1893, when we find him occupying 
his pre.sent comfortable home in Iluntersville. 

The first property of which our subject became 
the owner included .seventy-seven acres. A year 
later he added to his possessions a like amount, 
and .sometime thereafter bought eighty acres in 
Liberty Townshij). In 1880 he inve.stedin eighty 
acres adjoining Iluntersville, and also purchased 
about that time five lots in the \illage. In the 
fall of 1S92 he added to his interests in the real- 
estate line the hou.se and seven lots where he 
now resides. When he first came to the county 
his taxes did not aggregate $2, but at the pre.sent 
time it takes a good income to pay his expen.ses. 

Of a family of three sons and two daughters 
born to his parents, David was the second. The 
others are Samuel, a resident of Washington 
Township: .Susan, now Mrs. Crawford, of the 
above township; and .Sarah and .Moses, who are 
deceased. Mr. Hively was married in Cessna 
Township, February 21, 1850, to Miss Rebecca 
Matthews, who was born in Crawford County, 
Augu.st 8, 1828. She is a daughter of Isaac and 
Nancy (Hamilton) Matthews, the former of whom 
was born in Trumbull County in 1782, where he 
was reared to manhood. He later took up his 
abode in Wayne County, and afterward in Craw- 
ford County, in both of which sections he owned 
property. The land was highly impnn'ed, and as 
.soon as an opportunity presented itself to dispose 
of it at a good advance in price, he did so and in- 
vested the money in land in Cessna Township, 
Hardin County, buying at that time the farm on 
which our .subject's son now resides. He came 
here in .September, 1848. During the War of 



442 



PORTRAIT AM) IJIOrTRAPIIICAL RIXORD. 



1812 he served as a soldier. Isaac Matthews was 
the son of William Matthews, a native of Ireland, 
in which country his father was a large stock- 
raiser. He died from the effect of injuries re- 
ceived from one of his cattle when preparing to 
come to America. His widow, Rachel Matthews, 
together with her three sons and one daughter, 
came to the Xcw World, first settling in Peini- 
sylvania. 

Nancy Hamilton was born in New Jersey, 
March 14, 1790. She was the daughter of Jona- 
than and Rachel Hamilton, the former of whom 
was al.so born in that state, while the latter was a 
native of Holland. To them were born ten chil- 
dren, of whom Rachel was the eldest. The others 
were Joseph, Nanc)-, Sarah, vSusanna, James, 
Catherine and William (twins), Mary and Jona- 
than. 

To Isaac Matthews and his wife was born a 
large family of children, fourteen in number. Of 
the.se. Smiley, Jonathan alid Levi died when .six- 
ty-two, sixty-three and seventy-three years old, 
respectively; Rachel, who married Joseph Higbj% 
is also deceased; Su.san became the wife of James 
Nelson and is now decea.sed; William died at the 
age of fifty-five years: John Wright was four 
years old at the time of his death; Levina was 
also four years of age when .she died; the next- 
born died unnamed; James passed away at the 
age of si.xty-one years; Elihu is a resident of 
Washington Township, this county; Rebecca is 
now Mrs. Hively; Isaac Harvey resides in Story 
County, Iowa; and the youngest of the family 
died in infancy. 

To our subject and his wife there were born 
nine children, of whom we note the following: 
Nancy was born in 1850 and died in i860: Smiley 
S. died in infancy; Squire M. was two weeks old 
when he i)assed away; Mary was born in 1855 
and died in i860; Willis M.,who was born in 1S58, 
al.so departed this life in i860; Martha Alice was 
born in 1S61, and is now the wife of Charles Ver- 
million; James M. was born in 1863, and makes 
his home on the old place in Cessna Town.ship; 
.Sylvanus was born in 186S, and married Henry H. 
Hugett, of this vicinity ; Carrie May was born in 
i8')9 and died in 1873. 



Both Mr. and Mrs. Hively are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Huntersville. The 
former in politics is a Republican, having had 
reason to change his views since the war. He 
has served as vSchool Director for many years and 
was at one time a member of the Grange. 



61 LFRHD L. R.WL resides on section 1 1, Ma- 
Ll rion Township, Hardin County, where he 
/ I has dwelt since 1851. Ai the time he took 
possession of the place, which comprises eighty 
acres, it was all covered with heavy forest, but 
this he has cleared away in the intervening years. 
In his early manhood he engaged in clerking and 
also conducted a bu.siness for himself for about 
three years, but his taste seemed to lie more in 
the direction of agriculture, and he has been very 
.successful in his undertakings. 

Samuel Rayl, the father of our subject, was 
born about 1783, and was married in Pennsylva- 
nia, it is suppo.sed in 1805, the lady being a Miss 
Sophia Lyons. He was drafted for the War of 
18 1 2, but on account of sickness was never in 
action. In 1836 he moved to Waldo Township, 
Marion County, and from there, in 1838, went to 
Green Camp Township, where he continued to 
reside until his death, September 30, 1843. Dur- 
ing this period he was the owner of three farms, 
and at the time of his demi.se, when he lacked but 
a few days of being .sixty years old, he was the 
owner of three hundred and sixty-six acres. His 
parents. Noble and Agnes Rayl, were of Scotch 
origin, and died in Beaver County, Pa., in the 
early '30s, at a very advanced age. Sophia, the 
wife of Samuel Rayl, was born in 1787, in Fayette 
County, Pa., being a daughter of Jacob Lyons, 
who was of P'nglish descent. Mrs. Rayl died in 
Marion County, March 17, 1842, and of her 
twelve children, si.x died in infancy. Nathan 
pas.sedaway March 18, 1855; John died in March, 
1889; Sarah, deceased, was the wife of John M. 
Anderson; Matilda, deceased, was Mrs. Daniel 




WILLIAM IL IILNKLLN, M 1). 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



445 



Rayl; and the 3'ounger ones were Samuel, Jr., 
and Alfred. Samuel, Jr., was born in 1827, and 
for about twenty-five years carried on a farm in 
partnership with his elder brother, John. In 
1S79 he moved to Marion, and in Aii.t,nist, 18S6, 
went to Monticello, Ind. h'rom iS.Sy to 1891 he 
resided in Ada, hut is now a resident of Marion 
Township. November 29, iSfio, he wedded I'ris- 
cilla Uucapher, who was born in Marion County, 
January 21, 1S42, and who is a daughter of 
vSolomon and Hannah (Shoemaker) Uncapher. 
The marriage of Mr. Rayl and wife has been 
blessed with five children: John !{., who is now 
in Mt. Victory, Ohio; Catherine J., Margaret M., 
Luella and Everett P. 

The birth of A. L. Rayl occurred in Reaver 
Township, Reaver County, Pa., June 16, 1830. 
When he was in his seventh year the family 
moved to Marion Count}-, Ohio, and there he at- 
tended the district schools until fifteen years of 
age. He then went to Lima and clerked ibr his 
brother-in-law, John M. Anderson, in a general 
store. At the eiul of a year he was laid low with 
a fever and did nothing for three months, but 
when strong enough entered the employ of his 
brother Nathan, in Marion County. A year 
later this brother bought out his partner and 
moved his store to Huntsville, and there our sub- 
ject clerked another year, at the end of which 
time he purcha.sed his brother's interest and con- 
ducted the business alone. 

August 7, 1851, Mr. Rayl and Mary Preston 
were married in the old log house which her fa- 
ther had built some years before on section 11, 
and this structure is still standing. Mr. and 
Mrs. Ra)l have had the following children: 
Sarah C, deceased, wife of William Geesman, of 
Ada; Margaret W., who married James Geesman, 
a farmer of Indiana; Robert D., who lives near his 
father; John Anderson, who died at the age of 
two years; Silas W., who married Susie Bugh, 
and lives in Indiana; Annie S., wife ofWinfield 
Rodebaugh, a carpenter of McGuffey; and Will- 
iam Walter, who married Maud B. Rodebaugh, 
and lives vi-ith his father. 

Among the relics in our subject's pos.session 
are a table and some chairs which his wife's 



mother used at the old Indian Mission at Upper 
Sandusky years ago. During the war, May 2, 
1864, Mr. Rayl enlisted at Kenton in Company I, 
One Hundred and Thirty-fifth ()!iio Infantry, and 
served over four months, under coniniaud of Col- 
onel Gatz. Fighting was an e\'cryda\- occurrence, 
and about halfof the regiment were killed. They 
were stationed near Richmond and were in a dis- 
astrous battle near Brownstown, on the Potomac 
River. Fraternally he is a member of the Roj'al 
Arcaiunn. He has served as Constable and Su- 
pervisor of tile township, and is a member of the 
Grange. h"or lorty-three >-ears Mr. Rayl and 
wife have been members of the Methodist lipi.sco- 
pal Church. In politics lie is a Repid)licaii. 



:€)m(^ 



IILLIAM H. IIIXKLIxN, M. D., located 
for the practice of his ]irofession in Larue, 
Marion County, in the i'all of 1S91, and 
has been \-er\' successful. He iiumljers among 
his [latients many of the best peoi)le of this vicin- 
itv, and is popular with all classes. Since his 
graduation he has continued his studies and re- 
searches in the line of his chosen work, for it is 
his earnest desire to keep well posted on the dis- 
coveries which are constantly being made in the 
medical worUl. 

The Doctor was Ijorn February iS, 185S, in 
Montgomery Township, of this counl)-, he being 
the fourth in a family of ten children born to 
Henry and Mary M. (Cutler) Hinklin. I'ive of 
the number are deceased. George W. is a resi- 
dent of Larue; Orren Elihu, who is a machinist 
by trade, lives in southern Missouri; Ellen is the 
wife of J. L. McGuire, of this place; and Rebecca 
is the wife of W'illiam Wiiigerd, of Big Island 
Township. 

Henry Hinklin was l)orn in this count\-, and 
has spent his entire life here, with the exception 
of about nine years when he lived in Indiana, 
and he has always been engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. His parents were Henry and Susan 



17 



446 



PORTRAIT AND BlOGRArillC'AL RECORD. 



(Gorden) Hinklin, the former of whom was born 
in Pennsylvania, where he was reared and mar- 
ried. He removed to Rocky Forks, near the city 
of Marion, in 1824, and was among the earliest 
pioneers of that section. He lived to attain the 
extreme old age of ninety-eight years. His par- 
ents were natives of Germany, bnt came to the 
Xew World at an early period. Mrs. Susan 
Hinklin was a native of this county, and, being 
left an orphan when quite young, was reared by a 
family named Bear. She also lived to a good old 
age, dying in this county. The Doctor's mother 
was born near Ft. Recovery, Darke County, Ohio, 
and for many generations her ancestors had lived 
in America. She is still living in this county, 
and is now in her .sixty-eighth year. 

Until he reached his majority. Dr. Hinklin as- 
sisted his father in farming on the old homestead, 
and received a di.strict-school education. Novem- 
ber 4, 1880, his marriage with Lizzie M. Cosner, 
of Hardin County, Ohio, was celebrated. The 
young couple began housekeeping on a farm 
which Mr. Hinklin cultivated for six years, or 
until the death of his wife, which occurred Janu- 
ary- 27, 1887, aged twenty-six years, eleven 
months and sixteen days, she having been born 
February 11, i860. They became the parents of 
three children, all of whom are now deceased. 
Clyde Emmett died June 5, 1884, aged one year 
and ten daj's; Clarence Delbert passed away 
when two months and twelve days old, August 
12, 1884; and Iva Blanch died September 10, 
1886, when one month and one day old. 

Soon after the death of his wife, the Doctor de- 
termined to enter another field of labor, and to 
widen his intellectual horizon. With the basis 
of a good connnon-.school education, he entered 
the Ada (Ohio) Normal, where he remained for 
three years. Subsefjuently he took up medical 
studies with Drs. Ginunell and Mnudy, of Forest, 
Ohio. Going next to Cincinnati, he attended lect- 
ures at the Eclectic Medical College, from which 
he graduated June 2, 1891. Not long afterward 
he opened an office in Larue, where he has since 
been continuously engaged in practice. Politic- 
ally he is a Democrat, but finds little time to in- 
dulge his taste in that direction. He is a mem- 



ber of the local Masonic lodge and belongs to the 

Independent Order of Odd F^ellows of Forest, and 
to the Daughters of Rebekah. In the Methodist 
Episcopal Church he is one of the esteemed and 
enterprising workers. 



^ ACOB A. SCHAAF, who is engaged in gen- 
I eral farming and stock-raising on section 22, 
v2/ Waldo Township, Marion Count}-, has held 
a number of important public positions within 
the gift of his fellow-citizens. In 1872 he was 
elected on the Democratic ticket to fill the unex- 
pired term of Robert Hill as County Commis- 
sioner. At the end of fifteen months, in 1874, he 
was elected to the office, and three years later was 
re-elected, thus occupying the place for seven 
years and three months. During this time the 
county jail was placed in good running order and 
many other nece,s.sary public ini[irovenients in- 
augurated. 

The father of our subject, Henry Schaaf, was a 
native of Germany, his birth having occurred 
May 22, 1802, in the province of Bavaria. His 
wife, Anna M., was likewise born in the Father- 
land, in 1803, and ten years after their mar- 
riage they emigrated to the United States in a 
sailing-vessel. The voyage consumed .seventy- 
two days, but at length they landed safely at Bal- 
timore and proceeded westward by stage to Ohio. 
Locating in Waldo Township, Marion County, 
the father bought eighty acres of second-hand 
land on section 23. A cabin 12x14 feet and three 
acres of cleared land constituted their po.s.se.ssions. 
Mr. Schaaf engaged in cultivating and developing 
the farm from this time until his death, which 
occurred in 1866. His wife died in 1882, and 
both were buried in the Union Klinker Cemetery. 
For many years they were faithful and zealous 
members of the Reformed Church. 

Our subject is one of nine children, the others 
being I'-lizabeth, who died in 1839; Peter J., who 
died December 18, 1882; Catherine, who died 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



447 



in 1S54; liva, wife, of Peter Houk, of Delaware 
Comity; Henry, who was a farmer, and who died 
October 22, 1891; Annie M., wife of Jacob Stitz, 
of Hamilton County; Elizabeth, Mrs. John Mc- 
Clann; and one who died in infancy. 

The birth of Jacob A. Schaaf occurred on sec- 
tion 22, Waldo Town.ship, August 3, 1S34, and 
during his youth he attended the district schools, 
which were conducted on the subscription plan, 
and the nearest of which was a mile and a-half 
from home. When he was twenty-one years of 
age he rented land, and continued to do this for 
the next eight years. During this time he man- 
aged by strict economy to realize a sufficient sum 
to enable him to purchase one hundred acres. 
This farm, however, was never his place of resi- 
dence, but in 1S72 he came to his present home, 
which he purchased from his father-in-law, and 
which comprises two hundred and fifty-five acres 
of valuable and finely improved land. 

January 17, 1S56, our subject married Susan 
A., daughter of John and Barbara Coleman. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Schaaf were born nine children, as 
follows: Emma E., November 10, 1856; Frank 
E., October 4, 1858; John H., December 20, i860; 
Charles W., July 22, 1862; Dora M., July 22, 
1864; Laura I^., March 29, 1866; Carrie M., 
April 22, 1868; Walter M., January 7, 1870; and 
Wesley, April 14, 1873. The eldest daughter is 
the wife of Anson Weintermute, a merchant of 
Norton. Dora died July 20, 1866; and Wesley, 
the youngest of the family, died in infancy. 



3ASPI>;r N. RICHARDSON. A position of 
influence among the citizens of Hardin Coun- 
ty is held by the gentleman whose name in- 
troduces this sketch, who is engaged in the lum- 
ber business at Mt. \'ictory. He was born Sep- 
tember 6, 1846, in Kenton, this .state, and was 
the only child of Aaron and Maria (Topliff) 
Richardst)!!. 

The father of our subject was born and i eared 



in Champaign County, this state, remaining there 
until about 1836, when he came with his father 
to Hardin County, and settled on land in Hale 
Township. .Several years thereafter he left home, 
and, going to Kenton, learned the carpenter's 
trade, working at this business until the death of 
his wife. He then returned home ami lived with 
his parents until his second marriage. 

Mrs. Maria Richard.son was born January 21, 
1825, in Connecticut, and when a young lady she 
came to Ohio, making her home in this state for 
some years. While on a visit to relatives and 
friends at her i>l(l licniie in Connecticut, she died. 
Ma)' 23, 1849, when in the t\veiit>--fifth year of 
her age. 

The lady whom Aaron Richardson chose for 
his second companion was Miss Clarinda Young, 
a native of this county. To them was born a 
family of seven cliildren, of whom four sons and 
two daughters are now li\ing. Soon after his 
marriage with Miss Young, our subject's father 
purchased a farm in I'nion County, located about 
three miles south of Mt. Victory, and there he 
makes his home at the present time. He is a 
stanch supporter of Republican doctrines, ami in 
religious affairs is a member of the Baptist Church. 
His parents, who were born in \"irginia, were of 
Scotch parentage. Mr. Richardson is now in his 
seventy-fifth year, and although in delicate health 
is still able to superintend the operations of his 
farm. 

Our subject was only three years of age when 
deprived of the care of his mother. He was 
taken by his father to his grandparents, and there 
he remained attending school and working on the 
farm until reaching his majority. He was mar- 
ried, November 24, 1S85, to Miss Christina Ann 
Reams, a native of Logan County, and began in 
life b\- establishing him.self in the lumber busi- 
ness, buying and selling timber and piling of all 
kinds. He has ever since carried on a good trade 
in this line, and enjoys the confidence of his fel- 
low-citizens. 

February 22, 1864, our subject enlisted in Coin- 
pan}- A, Eighty-second Ohio Infantry, and, being 
mustered into service, fought as a private until 
the close of the war. He remained with his regi- 



448 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



nient during the Atlanta campaign, and although 
in many hard-fought engagements, was neither 
wounded nor taken prisoner. He is a stanch Re- 
publican in politics, and never loses an oppor- 
tunitj- to advance the cause of his party bj- either 
voite or vote. He has been a member of the City 
Council for two terms. Socially he is a Mason of 
high statiding, belonging to the blue lodge and 
chapter, and is also a Knight Templar, holding 
membership with the lodge at Kenton. He is 
identified with the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, and as a Grand Arm)- man belongs to 
Coleman Asbury Post No. 257, at Mt. Victory. 
He is not a member of any church organization, 
but tries to carry out the teachings of the Divine 
Master in his daily life, making all who know 
him respect him for his upright maimer of living. 



ROBERT \V. SOUTHARD is the .senior 
member of the firm of Southard & Son, the 
leading liverymen of Kenton. He was born 
ill Logan County, Ohio, October 13, 1838, and 
was the second in the family of nine children born 
unto Increase and Leanna (Willgus) Southard. 
The former, a native of Champaign County, this 
state, was there reared to manhood and thence re- 
moved to Logan County with his parents. After 
his marriage he followed agricultural pursuits for 
a time in Logan County, but from there went to 
Union County, this state, where he purchased a 
farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He con- 
tinued to reside there until his death, at seventj'- 
nine years of age. 

Being a man of great industry and energy, In- 
crease Southard was prospered as an agricultur- 
ist and highly respected as a citizen. He was a 
member of the Methodist ICpi.scopal Church and 
an active worker in the congregation with which 
he was identified. His parents were natives of 
Pennsylvania, and removed to Ohio in an early 



day, spending their remaining years in this state. 
His father was a descendant of English ancestors, 
and was a soldier in the War of 181 2. 

The mother of our subject, who was born in 
Philadelphia, died in Union County, Ohio, at the 
age of seventy-three years. Her religious belief 
was .similar to that of her hu.sband, and she was 
a devoted member of the Methodist Epi.scopal 
Church. Her ancestors were of Ivnglish extrac- 
tion, and her grandmother married General Wayne 
for her .second husband. The subject of this no- 
tice was reared upon the home farm, and in boj-- 
hood was a pupil in the old log schoolhouse near 
by. At the opening of the Civil War, in April, 
1861, he walked thirteen miles to Bellefontaine, 
where he enlisted as a private in Company A, 
Thirteenth Ohio Infantry, the term of service be- 
ing ninety days. 

Soon after the expiration of his period of .serv- 
ice, Mr. Southard again enlisted, in October, 1S61, 
becoming a member of Company K, Forty-second 
Ohio Infantry, under Colonel Garfield. Three 
years and two months were .spent in that regi- 
ment, when he was honorably discharged. Dur- 
ing the last charge in the battle of Vicksburg, 
May 22, 1863, he received a gunshot wound in 
the left thigh, which was so .serious as to oblige 
him to remain in the hospital at Memphis for five 
months. Upon recovering sufficiently, he re- 
turned home on a furlough, and during his visit 
in the North was married. During the last three 
years of his service he held the rank of Sergeant. 
Among the important engagements in which 
he participated were tlio.se of Middle Creek, 
Champion Hills, Black River and the siege of 
Vicksburg. 

Upon being discharged from the army, Mr.- 
Southard returned to Ohio and settled upon a 
farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Union 
County. The place was heavily timbered, and he 
.succeeded in clearing the land only after the most 
arduous exertion. Six years were spent there, 
after which he sold out and bought a gri.stmill in 
West Mansfield, operating the same for a year or 
more. His next business venture was as propri- 
etor of a hotel and livery in West Mansfield, 
but after five years he traded the business for a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



449 



farm and resumed agricultiiral labors. For two 
years lie was engaged in tilling the soil, after 
which he purchased an hotel in Mt. Victory, 
Hardin Count\', and this he conducted for three 
and one-half years. 

Coming from Mt. Victor)' to Kenton, Mr. 
Southard built the St. Nicholas Hotel, which he 
conducted for three years. He then .sold out and 
engaged in the liver>- business liere for three 
years alone, after which he took his son Chester 
F. into partnership, and they have since conduct- 
ed a large and flourishing business. The success 
of this enterprise is largely due to the energetic 
efforts of Mr. Southard, who has left no stone un- 
turned in his endeavors to jilace the business on a 
.solid financial footing. 

October 17, 1863, occurred the marriage of Mr. 
Southard and Miss Malinda Davis, who was born 
in Vork Center, Union County, Ohio, January 5, 
1S45. Their only child is Chester F., who was 
born September 22, 1S65, and is a popular and 
successful )-oung bu.siness man of Kenton. In 
political views Mr. Southard is a Republican and 
is interested in all the great movements of the 
age. Socially he is identified with the Knights 
of Pythias, Cantwell Post No. 97, G. A. R., and 
Lodge No. 14, U. V. U., being Major of the lat- 
ter organization. He is a Methodist in religious 
belief and belongs to that denomination in Ken- 
tun. 



30HN McELVV. The gentleman to whom 
we call the attention of our readers is one of 
the old and honored residents of Marion 
Count)-, within whose confines he was born De- 
cember 16, 1827. He resides upon an excellent 
estate located on .section 31, Salt Rock Township, 
and his career as a farmer is one of which he may 
well be proud. 

There were eight children born to John and 
Mary (Sweeney) McElvy, of whom John, Jr., 
was the sixth in order of birth. His father was 
a native of \'irginia and was there reared to man- 



hood, learning the carpenter's trade. When a 
young man he removed to this state and spent 
the years until 1.S22 in business in Columbus. 
He then made his way into this county and en- 
tered land from the Government, the same which 
our subject now owns. This he improved with 
buildings necessary for the successful prosecution 
of his work, and resided upon it until his decease, 
which occurred when fifty-eight years of age. 
As we have already indicated, he was among the 
first to make his home in this section, and as 
one of its early residents was instrumental in its 
upbuilding. He was well informed on the lead- 
ing questions of the day, and was accounted one 
of the most public-spirited and representative cit- 
izens. He was a Whig in politics, and in the 
position of Township Trustee, which he held for 
many years, gave great satisfaction. He was a 
very quiet and unassuming man, and for many 
years was Elder in the Presbyterian Church. His 
father, John McElvy, was a natixe of Ireland, and 
after taking up bis abode in this country fought 
as a private in the War of 18 12. His mother was 
of Scotch extraction and died at theageof eiglit\'- 
six years. She and her hu.sband were both mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church. 

John remained at home until attaining his ma- 
jority, in the mean time carrying on his studies 
in the district school and helping in the work 
about the farm. On the death of his father he 
continued to live at home, farming a portion of 
the home place for his mother. April 10, 1851, 
he was married to Miss Elsie Hopkins, who was 
born August 26, 1832, and was the daughter of 
Robert and Nancy (Vezy) Hopkins. Her father 
was a native of Delaware, where he was reared 
on a farm until a young man, when he came to 
Marion County. The trip hither was made in 
the spring of 1822, and Mr. Hopkins at once en- 
tered land in Big Island Township at a time when 
the residents were very few, his nearest neighbor 
being ten miles distant. He held many township 
offices, and for two terms represented the Demo- 
cratic party in the Legislature. Later, however, 
he changed his views to coincide with the princi- 
ples of the Republican party, and thereafter was 
influential and prominent in its ranks. For many 



450 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



years he was Deacon in the Baptist Church, and 
was the founder of that denomination at Big 
Island, which is now a union church. His death 
occurred here at the age of threescore years and 
ten. His wife was also a native of the state of 
Delaware, and lived to be eighty-five years old. 
They were both members of the Baptist Church, 
and were people greatly honored in their com- 
munity. 

There were two children born to our subject 
and his wife: Charles Hopkins, now engaged in 
managing the farm; and Aim Josephine, the wife 
of H. W. Cook.ston, a farmer of Big Island Town- 
ship. Mr. McElvy is a stanch Republican in 
politics and takes an active part in local affairs. 
He has been Town.ship Tru.stee and Treasurer for 
several years, and is a member in excellent .stand- 
ing of the Baptist Church, as is also his wife. 

Our subject is now the possessor of the old 
homestead which his father entered from the 
Government in 1822. This comprises three hun- 
dred and twenty-five acres, upon which he has 
spent his entire life. He has erected on the estate 
one of the most beautiful country residences in 
the township, and in every respect the place ranks 
among the finest in Marion County. As a farmer 
he has always been considered a man of enter- 
prise and ability, and, a.ssisted by his good wife, 
has acquired a handsome competence through 
years of hard labor. 



UJATHAX SMITH, one of the honored resi- 
V^ I dents and prominent agriculturists of Har- 
\l^ din County, was born April 20, 1812, in 
Muskingum County, this state. His parents, 
Kdward and Jane (Shafer) Smith, had born to 
them a family of eleven children, of whom he was 
ninth in order of birth. His father was born in 
the eastern portion of \'irginia, and after reach- 
ing mature years left home and came to Ohio, 
locating on a farm where now stands the city of 



Zanesville, and whereon his death occurred when 
he was eighty-two years of age. He was pros- 
pered in his undertakings as an agriculturist and 
at the time of his decease left his family a valu- 
able property. In religious affairs he was a con- 
sistent and devoted member of the Baptist Church. 

The mother of our subject, also a native of the 
Old Dominion, lived to be eighty-two years of age. 
Her parents were born in German)-, and after em- 
igrating to this country settled in Virginia, where 
the remaining years of their lives were .spent. 

The original of this sketch was given a good 
common-school education, and remained at home 
initil his marriage, which event was celebrated 
August 8, 1843, when Mi.ss Marj- K. McLean be- 
came his wife. She was born in Muskingum 
County, this state, April 8, 1826, and was the 
eldest in a family of three children born to her 
parents, Ephraim C. and Nancy (Craig) McLean. 
The former was born and reared in the Keystone 
State, after which, in 1825, he came to Ohio, 
choosing a farm near Zanesville for his home. 
On this he lived until 18^2, the year of his com- 
ing to Hardin County, when he purchased prop- 
erty in Dudley Township. There he was living 
at the time of his decease, which occurred when 
in his fifty-eighth year. A very prominent man 
in local affairs, for two terms he was called 
upon to occupy the office of County Commi.ssion- 
er, and for a period of seventeen years wasjustice 
of the Peace, in discharging the duties of which 
offices he gained the respect of all with whom he 
had dealings. He was a member in excellent 
standing of the Methodist Ivpiscopal Church. His 
parents, who were also Pennsylvanians, were of 
Scotch extraction. 

Mrs. Smith's mother was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, and now, at the advanced age of ninety- 
four years, is living on the old homestead in this 
county. She, too; is a member of the Methodist 
Church, and in her younger days took an active 
part in church work. Soon after his marriage, our 
subject came to this county and became the own- 
er of a large tract of land, comprising four hun- 
dred and thirty acres. This was located in the 
Military Tract, and was covered with heavy tim- 
ber, but he made it his first duty to clear a space 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



451 



and erect a log cabin, after which he began the 
arduous task of felHng the trees and placing the 
primeval soil under cultivation. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Smith there have been born 
six children. Nanc\- Jane is now the wife of 
George Bainiing, a prosperous farmer of this 
township; Ephraim E., a large land-owner in this 
township, is manager of the elevator at Hepburn, 
and his history appears on another page in this 
volume; Elizabeth Ann is the widow of Joseph 
Ha.stings, formerly a citizen of tliis county; Su- 
san C. is the wife of Theodore McElheney, a farm- 
er of Hardin County; John S. resides on a fine 
farm in Hamilton County, Iowa; and Clarence H. 
is also the owner of a farm in that county, which 
he cultivates in adtlition to carrying on the pro- 
fession of a lawyer. The members of this family 
have all been well educated and are respected 
wherever known. 

Mr. Smith is a stanch Republican in politics. 
He has been Township Trustee, for one term was 
Land Appraiser, and in various ways takes a deep 
interest in the prosperity of this community'. 
Both himself and wife are devoted members of 
the ITnited Brethren Church. 



G^ 



C^ 






\ m^ 



^ 



\A ICHAEL WADDEL, a well known citizen 
y nf Marion, and one of her leading business 
Vg men, is now officiating as Clerk of the 
Court of Marion County, having been elected in 
the fall of 1893, on the Democratic ticket. He 
has been Clerk of the Board of Education for two 
years, and is also a Director in the Public Library. 
At all times he has the interests of his constitu- 
ents and the public at large foremost in his 
thoughts, and to the best of his ability he endeav- 
ors to carry out their wishes. 

The progenitors of the Waddel family were na- 
tives of the Highlands of Scotland, and left their 
native country to settle in the United States dur- 
ing Colonial days. The grandfather of our sub- 



ject, John Waddel, was born in Virginia, aiid 
emigrated to Ohio from Wheeling in 182 1, .set- 
tling on a farm in Richland Township, Marion 
County, nine miles southeast of this city. Here 
he lived until he was summoned by death in 1841, 
and on the same old homestead his son Samuel 
and his grandson Michael were born. 

The birth of Samuel Waddel, father of our sub- 
ject, occurred April 18, 1829, and during the 
years from 1865 to 1S6S he was one of the Com- 
missioners of Marion Count}'. He is still living 
in this vicinity and enjoying good health. His 
wife, Catherine, was a daughter of Michael Ja- 
coby, who came from old Pennsylvania-German 
stock and settled in this county in 1S24. One of 
his sons, Henrj*, was a Lieutenant in the eighty 
second Ohio Infantry, and was killed at the battle 
of Gettysburg; while another .son, James, a Lieu- 
tenant in the Sixtj'-sixth Ohio Infantry, was 
wounded, taken prisoner, and for some time was 
confined in Andersonville. Samuel Waddel and 
his wife became the parents of seven sons and 
four daughters, all of whom are still living. 
W. R. is a pension agent in Marion; Hiram re- 
sides in Missouri; Daniel is still living in this 
county, as is also his brother Walter; Henry and 
Wesley are in Nebra.ska; Mary is the wife of 
James L. Douce, a farmer of this county; Jane 
and Maggie are teaching school in Missouri; and 
Bertha, also a teacher, lives at home. Nearly all 
of the famil}' have been engaged in teaching 
school at some time in their career, and our sub- 
ject is no exception, as he had charge of schools 
for eight terms. 

Michael Waddel was born May 2, 1853, and is 
the eldest child of his parents' family. He was 
reared on the farm and received a public-school 
education. He continued to live at home until 
1887, when he came to Marion and engaged in 
the insurance business. Before much time had 
elapsed he had succeeded in building up the larg- 
est business of its kind in this .section, and though 
he cannot give much personal attention to his 
private affairs, on account of his public duties, has 
not severed his connection with the same up to 
the present time. Socially he belongs to the 
Masonic order, being a Knight Templar; he is 



452 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Senior Deacon in the blue lodge, Captain of the 
Hosts in the chapter, Captain of the Guards in the 
council, and Warden of the comniandery. He is 
also a Knight of Pythias, having filled all of the 
offices in the local lodge, and for three years has 
been a Representative of the Grand Lodge. In 
religious work he takes much interest, being a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and 
Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday-school. 
In 1879 Mr. Waddel married Mary E. Rupp, 
who died May 2, 1886, leaving two children, 
George Earl and Bessie I. The lady who now 
bears his name, and who was formerly Nettie A. 
Redd, is a cousin of his fir.st wife. They were 
married October 13, 1887, and have one child, 
Roy. They have a pleasant home and take great 
pleasure in entertaining their friends within its 
hospitable walls. 



f~REEMAN PORTER is one of the native 
r*) sons of Taylor Creek Township, Hardin 
I ^ County, his birth having occurred here Feb- 
ruary 16, 1837. He has been engaged in the de- 
velopment ami improvement of his farm on sec- 
tion 22 since moving here in i860, with the ex- 
ception of the time which he spent in fighting the 
battles of his country. His original farm con- 
tained but fifty acres, covered with forest and 
with a .small cabin in an unfinished condition. 
Hl- has cleared eighty acres of his farm alone and 
has made substantial improvements, which have 
greatly increased its value. In 1878 he was elect- 
ed to the office of Townsliip Trustee, and served 
for two terms. He has also been a School Direc- 
tor and Road Supervisor, and takes great interest 
in the success of the Republican party, with which 
he has long been connected. 

Andrew Porter, father of Eecman, was born 
in Kentucky in 1800, and his wife, Rebecca, a 
native of Ohio, was born five years later. They 
moved to this county in the fall of 1833, settling 
on a tract of wild land in this township. The 



farm comprised one hundred and eleven acres, on 
which Mr. Porter erected the first brick house in 
the county, in 1846, and the building was in a 
fair state of preservation until the winter of 1894. 
At first, however, the family lived in a log cabin 
18x20 feet in dimensions, with ^but one door and 
window. Indians were numerous in those days, 
and wild game was plentiful. At the time of his 
death Mr. Porter had cleared about seventy acres, 
this being at the rate of nine or ten acres a year. 
At first he was a Whig politically, and afterward 
a Republican, and served both as Snpervi.sor and 
as School Director. For many years he was a 
member of the Di.sciples Church, and died in that 
faith October 6, 1867. His wife survived him a 
number of years, passing away in December, 
1884. Of their seven children all but two are 
still living. They are named as follows: Mary 
Ann, Green, Freeman, Serepta J., Su.san, J. T. 
and Robert. 

Freeman Porter remained at home with his 
parents until reaching his majority, and after his 
marriage settled about a mile from the old home- 
stead, renting fifty acres of land. At the end of 
a year he moved to a farm of one hundred and 
thirty acres west of Belle Center, Logan County, 
and in i860 traded his place for fifty acres of the 
land on which he is yet living. Responding to 
the call of duty, he left his wife and three .small 
children in the little cabin alone while he fought 
f(jr the Stars and Stripes. October 5, 1864, he 
enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and 
Eighty-third Ohio Infantry, under Captain vScott, 
and was sent to Nashville, Tenn. He look part 
in the battle of Stone River, then fell back to 
Spring Hill, where he participated in an engage- 
ment, and then met Hood in battle at Franklin. 
Retreating to Nashville, he remained there two 
weeks, and then was in the attack on Hood, who 
was driven out of his works and many of whose 
men were captured. After following Hood to 
Stone River, Mr. Porter went by boat to Cincin- 
nati, and thence to Washington, where he re- 
mained about four weeks. Then sent to Alexan- 
dria and North Carolina, he took part in a cam- 
paign there, meeting Sherman on his return from 
the march to the sea. Going to Salisbury, he 




iii'NRV 1'. i-i;.\sti:r, m. u. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



455 



staj'ed there for three months, when he was mus- 
tered out, obtaining his final discharge at Colum- 
bus, Oliio, in August, iSC^S- 

Marcli 4, 1S5S, at Dunkirk, Ohio, was cele- 
brated the marriage of Freeman Porter and 
I^ouisa Mains. The latter was born July 17, 1835, 
in Richland County, Ohio, to Ed and Margaret 
(Young) Mains, natives of Ireland and Virginia, 
respectively. vSlie is one of eight children, all 
but two of whom yet survive. A large family 
of children was born to Mr. and Mrs. Porter. 
Charles A., born December ly, 1X58, married 
Cornelia Wallace, and li\-es in Ta\lor Creek 
Township; Adela, Ijorn November 9, 1860, mar- 
ried John Nash, of this township; Aima R., born 
September 12, 1862, is the wife of John \V. Young, 
of Belle Center, Logan County; Freeman G., born 
August 8, 1S66, graduated in 1885 from the union 
school at x\da, and is now a druggist in Crawford 
County, Ohio; Sherman, twin of Freeman, died 
in infancy; Lizzie J., born January 12, 1S68, at- 
tended the normal school at Ada about three 
>-ears, and for four or five years .she taught in the 
home district, but is now teaching in the union 
school at Ada; Hattie, born November 4, 1870, 
is the wife of F^mory B. Mercer, a merchant at 
Ada; Horace M., born June 7, 1872, is a jeweler 
liy trade; and Fdwaril T., born April 5, 1876, 
is deceased. In order to give his children better 
advantages, Mr. Porter moved to Ada in 1884 
and made his home in that place for about 
four years. He and his wife were members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and iraternalh- 
he belonged to the Union \'eterans' Union at 
Kenton. 

• ^l ^ P ' 



Nl'NRY P. FEASTER, M. D., opened an 
office in Larue October 31, 1893, and though 
only a short time has elapsed, has succeeded 
in building up a fair practice, which is constantly 
increasing. He po.ssesses good business ability, 
and is wide-awake and enterprising. Though a 
new-comer in Larue, his practice has been very 



large diu'ing the past year, and he now owns a 
very convenient office and handsome residence 
property in the \illage. In adilition to this he 
has an interest in the flnuring-niill at Agosta, in 
which he was formerly Vice-President. When 
he graduated from his Alma Mater in the .spring 
of 1890, he was nver $r,oiio in debt for his med- 
ical education, and it can therefore readily be seen 
what he has accomplished in the past four or five 
years. 

Dr. Feaster was liorn October 31, 1859, in Del- 
aware Counts', Ohio, being the fourth in a famil\- 
of six children born to James and Elizabeth 
( Wolf ) h'easter. The former was born in Ohio, 
and is still living at his early home, being now in 
his sixty-eighth >'ear. His father, a nati\e of 
New Jersey, was of German descent, while his 
mother, who was born in Pennsylvania, was like- 
wise of German ancestry. Mrs. Elizabeth P'eas- 
ter, whose birth occurred in Ohio, is now si.xty- 
one years of age. Her parents, natives of Penn- 
sylvania, were of German extraction. Dr. H. P. 
Fea.ster attended the conunon schools near his 
father's home until he was of age, and helped 
considerably in the management of the homestead. 

November 7, 1880, the Doctor married lilla 
Woodward, of Delaware, Ohio, and soon after- 
ward the young couple settled in Prospect, Ohio. 
F\)r about four years he clerked in a general store, 
after which he read medicine with Dr. Howard 
for a year. Then, entering the Ivclectic Medical 
Institute at Cincinnati, he took the required 
course, and was dul>' graduated with the degree 
of M. D. in tlie spring of 1890. He had pre- 
viously settled upon Agosta, a village of this 
township, as his first field of work, and was en- 
gaged in practice there until the fall of 1893, 
when he took up his permanent residence in 
Larue. 

To the Doctor and wife have been born three 
children: Carrie, August 24, 1881; Selden W., 
December 26, 1885; and Ruthella, September 17, 
1891. The oidy son died in infancy; and the two 
daughters, very bright and prepos.sessing chil- 
dren, are the joy of their parents' home. Dr. and 
Mrs. Feaster are members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, in which they are active workers. 



456 



PORTRAIT AXD KIOGRAPirCAL RECORD. 



Though he was reared in the faith of the Dem- 
ocracy, our subject is a Republican in his politi- 
cal views. He is a member of the Ohio State 
Medical Society, of which body he was President 
in 1893, and is also a member of the Central Ohio 
Medical As.sociation. Fraternally he is identified 
with the Odd Fellows' .society- at Agosta, and also 
belongs to Marion F^ncampment. He is popular 
with all who know him, and is a young man who 
has a promising future before him. 



r~RAXK A. IH'HKR. As an active, able and 
IQ enterprising young business man of Marion, 
I the gentleman above named is favorably 
known throughout the count}-. Such has been the 
energy with which he has prosecuted his business 
affairs, that he has already achieved a degree of 
success often sought in vain by his .seniors. 
While it is true that he had the advantages of 
wealth and social position to aid him, we believe 
it to be equally true that, had he been unaided 
by extraneous circumstances or the prestige of 
family, he would have been equally certain to 
ha\e worked his wa>- to success, for he pos.sesses 
in an unusual degree the qualities of character 
that bring a man prominence and prosperity. 

The history of the Huber family will be found 
in the biographical sketch of Kdward Huber, pre- 
sented on another page of this volume. He is 
one of the native-born sons of Marion, and his 
entire life has been passed within this city. 
His birth occurred January 29, 1867, and he is 
therefore still on the sunny side of life. At an 
'early age his studies were commenced in the pub- 
lic schools of this place, and some years later he 
entered Nelson's Rusine.ss College at Cincinnati. 

On completing his .studies, Mr. Huber became 
an employe in his father's shops, where he learned 
every detail of the business. Contrary to the 
custom of many young men who have wealthy 
fathers, he did not sit idly down to enjoy himself, 
nor did he aspire at the beginning to a position 



of prominence. He began at the bottom of the 
ladder, learned the business in its smallest de- 
tails, and drew his small wages the same as other 
laborers. Few yoiuig men posse-ss the stamina 
for such a course as that, but it proves the inde- 
pendence and uprightness of Mr. Huber's dis- 
position. 

When twenty-one years old Mr. Huber's father 
presented him with ten shares in the Huber Man- 
ufacturing Company, and abso ten .shares in the 
Marion vSteam vShovel Company. vSince then he 
has added con.siderably to his stock. In Januar\-, 
1 891, he was made the Treasurer of the Steam 
Shovel Companj-, and this responsible position he 
has since filled. In addition to this, he is inter- 
ested in other prominent concerns of Marion, be- 
ing Vice-President of the Fahey Banking Com- 
pany, stockholder in the Fanners and Mechanics' 
Bank, the Huber Manufacturing Company, Au- 
tomatic Boiler Feeder Company, Marion Tool 
Company-, Marion Implement Manufacturing- 
Company and Marion Malleable Iron Company. 

A ver\- important event in the life of Mr. Hu- 
ber was his luiion in marriage, in April, 1893, 
with Miss Nona B., daughter of Timothy Fahey, 
the well known and wealthy banker of Marion. 
Their only child, Mary Fay, was born May i, 
1894. Mr. Huber is a citizen of whom any com- 
munity might well be proud, and the people of 
this locality, fully appreciating his ability, accord 
him a place in the foremost rank of representa- 
tive business men. 



1(9), ^^m^. _JS) 



i^^" 



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"""^ 



K)ICH()LAS RARI-;V, one of the substantial 
rV larmers of Pleasant Township, owns a valu- 
1/3 able and improved homestead, comprising 
four liundred acres in one body, and an additional 
tract of sixty acres elsewhere. His hou.se is on 
section 12, Pleasant Township, where he has 
made his home for nearly forty-five years. For 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



457 



thirty successive years he has serx'ed acceptably 
as School Director, and in politics has been a 
Rejiublican since the formation of the party. 

A son of Parker and vSarah (Burgett) Rarey, 
our subject was born in Franklin County, Ohio, 
March 2, 1S24. His parents were married in 
Franklin County, about 1S22, and were natives of 
Virginia and Maryland, respectively. Parker 
Rarey was a soldier in the War of 18 12, and 
came to Ohio in early times, before the city of 
Columbus had sprung into existence. He was a 
life-long agriculturist, and died on his farm in 
Franklin County about 1.S75. His wife survived 
him a few years, dying in 18S0. 

Nicholas Rare}' received the benefits of a dis- 
trict-school education, and contiiuied to live under 
the parental roof some time after his marriage, 
or until he was twenty-seven years of age. In 
1 85 1 he came to this locality, and bought one 
hundred and sixty acres of his jtresent farm. In 
April, 1864, he enli.sted in Company G, One 
Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry, and 
served for over one hundred da>-s, during which 
time he took part in the engagement at Harper's 
Ferry. He received an honorable discharge in 
vSeptember, 1864, and returned to peaceful avoca- 
tions. He is a member of the Grand Army of 
the Republic, and in 1892 attended the reunion 
at Washington. Since 1863 he has been affdiated^ 
with the Odd Fellows' .society. 

August 8, 1843, Mr. Rare}- and Sarah Johnson 
were united in marriage. The lady was born in 
the state of Delaware, January 24, 1824, and 
died February 8, 1854. Of lier five children the 
four eldest, Melissa, Francis, Jefferson and Par- 
ker, are deceased. Ann, the youngest, became 
the wife of John C. Johnson, of Buck Township. 
The lady who now bears the name of our subject 
became his wife November 23, 1854. Prior to 
that event she bore the name of Maria L. Allen, 
her parents being Abel H. and Rebecca (Mackay) 
Allen, natives of Virginia and F'ranklin County, 
Ohio, respectively. The latter's birth occurred 
July 12, 1 8 10. Mrs. Rarey was born in Pleasant 
Township, January 4, 1834. Five children came 
to bless the union of our subject and wife. Iva and 
Clara are deceased. Maria is the wife of John 



Bishop, of Buck Township. Jud.son married Iva 
A. Marshall, and they have one son, Francis M. 
Ednnmd M., the youngest son, is single and at 
home. Mr. and Mrs. Rarey are members of the 
Methodist Church, as are also Jndson Rarey and 
wife. 



.-^z 



=+ 



EHARLES MITCHELL is one of the leading 
and representative citizens of Lynn Town- 
ship, Hardin County, where he has one 
hundred and sixty acres of finely improved land, 
]ileasantly located on sections 21 and 28. His 
life, while luunarked l)y any startling events, has 
been characterized by diligent efforts and untir- 
ing labor, and has been such as to win and hold 
the esteem and confidence of the community. 

Our subject is the son of Hugh and Jane { Reed ) 
Mitchell, and was born on a farm near Dul)lin, 
Franklin County, Ohio, January 7, 1835. He 
lived with his parents on the old place, and worked 
at farming vnitil 1861, when, having been married 
some months previously, in August, i860, he 
.started out to make his own way in the world. 
The lady of his choice was Nancy M., daughter 
of James M. Drake, pastor of a United Brethren 
Church in Scioto County. 

While the Civil War was in progress, our sub- 
ject enlisted, May 2, 1864, and ser\ed one hun- 
dred days in Company E, One Hundred and 
Thirty-third Ohio Infantry. Upon returning to 
farm life, he rented property for a few years, and 
when ready to purchase a piece of property be- 
came the owner of a tract of fifty acres, which is 
now included in his present fine estate. Only 
about one acre of the land was cleared at that 
time, and the only other improvement which it 
bore was a little log cabin, very rudely construct- 
ed. He moved upon this purchase November 8, 
1868, and as the years pa.ssed by and he became 
prosperous, increased his acreage until it now in- 
cludes a quarter-section of as fine land as can be 
ibund in Hardin Count\-. This he cultivates in 



458 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ail intelligent manner, deriving a good income 
from grain and stock, which he raises in large 
quantities. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are the par- 
ents of an interesting family. The eldest, George 
lilmer, born July 3, 1S61, is now farming on 
Taylor Creek Township, Hardin County; Clem- 
entine was born May 3, 1863, and became the 
wife of Ale.xander Jordan, who is now deceased; 
Auta was born December 21, 1865, and is at 
home; Lester was born February 17, 1868, and 
makes his home with Mrs. Jordan; Carrie Jane, 
born May 9, 1870, is the wife of William Spitzer, 
and is engaged in teaching school in Goshen 
Township; Charles Beecher was born September 
20, 1872; Emma, who was born June 24, 1875, 
married Richard Longbrake, of Belle Center, this 
state; Oliver Perry was born November 6, 1S77, 
but died nine months later; and Klsada, born Oc- 
tober 26, 1879, is at home. 

The original of this sketch is a Republican in 
politics, and cast his first Presidential vote for 
John C. Fremont. He has been called upon by 
his townsmen to represent them in various posi- 
tions of trust and honor. He served as Town- 
ship Clerk for si.x years, and was a member of the 
Agricultural Society eight years. In manner he 
is very courteous and genial, and his friends are 
numerous and devoted. 



■Ki£-SiS-$;iS-Si&-SiS-SiS-^»-S!&-Si&SiS-SiS-S5&^i& 



Gl L\'IX J. SPOXSLKR is engaged in farm- 
I I ing on one hundred and fifty-five acres lo- 
/ I cated seven miles south of Kenton, on the 
Kenton and Bellefontaine Pike. He has always 
taken an active part in all enterprises calculated 
to benefit the public at large and this community 
especially. Though he received only an ordi- 
nary education in the district schools of his boy- 
hood, he is well infonned on the current events 
of the day and endeavors to keep abreast of 
the times. He is a worthy example of the agri- 
cultural cla.ss, who constitute truly the bone 
and sinew of every country. It is with pleas- 



ure that we accord to him a place in the rec- 
ord of the influential men and .sterling citizens of 
Hardin County. 

Born December 11, 1842, in Cumberland Coun- 
ty, Pa., our subject is the son of Jacob M. and 
Margaret Sponsler. He lived under the parental 
roof until arriving at man's estate, when he 
learned the carpenter's trade. July 21, 1863, he 
enlisted at Camp Dennison as a private mider 
Captain Koehne\-, of Company A, Eleventh Ohio 
Cavalry, for three years' service. The regiment 
rode to Cincinnati on horseback, and from there 
proceeded by train to St. Louis. FVom Benton 
Barracks they were ordered to Ft. Leavenworth, 
Kan. When Quantrell made his raid in Kan- 
sas and burned Lawrence, the Second Battalion 
of the Eleventh Ohio Cavalry was ordered out 
after him. They remained in that locality from 
August until the middle of September, and on the 
1 6th of the latter month they started for Ft. 
Laramie, riding pa.st Ft. Kearnc}-, up the North 
Platte River to Julesburg, and thence to their 
destination. Wild game was in abundance and 
several buffaloes were killed on the trip. 

On the re-organization of the company at Ft. 
Laramie, Mr. Spon.sler was transferred with other 
recruits to Company L. In the sunniier he went 
to South Pass, where in the following October the 
forces were divided into three parts. After a few 
months spent in winter quarters at F't. Laramie, 
he was .sent to Ft. Collins, Colo., and in May 
was transferred to Denver. The next month he 
was sent to Julesburg, Neb., and, crossing the 
Platte, returned again to Ft. Laramie. Captain 
Foutz was killed about this time, while taking a 
band of Indians to a reservation, and the army 
was sent after the fugitives who had escaped 
from custody. On the third day the soldiers had 
stopped about noon to rest and allow their lionses 
to graze, when the Indians attacked them, .stam- 
peded the horses and managed to get a number 
of them. This was at a place one hundred and 
ten miles east of Ft. Laramie, and there was 
nothing to be done except to walk back. They 
had been taken by surprise, as there had been no 
pickets out, and as they had no supplies a few 
messengers were dispatched and they met their 




'X - 



X j< 

^ 5 






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



461 



returning;" coniradcs aljout twenty miles from the 
fort. During^ the attack two of their men were 
wounded in the skirmisli, hut nothing more was 
seen of the Indians. The next summer Mr. 
Sponsler was detailed to carry mail between Ft. 
Laramie and Ft. IMitchell, and then with his 
company was sent to IIorsesh(je, Ft. Mar.shall 
and Deer Creek. In May the>- were ordered 
hack to I't. Laramie, ami during that month there 
was a liea\-v snow fall. June i they started lor 
Ft. Lca\'enworth, Kan., where tliey were mus- 
tered out July 14, iSCifi, and our subject received 
his discharge July 20, at Columbus, Ohio. 

On returning to the peaceful avocations of life, 
Mr. Sponsler was employed at the carpenter's 
trade until June, 1869, making his headc^uarters 
at his old home. In the 3'ear just mentioned he 
started West, and after farming for a few months 
in Cass County, Mo., went to Montgomery Coun- 
ty, Kan., working at his trade in Parker until the 
spring of il^j^. Then for a year he remained at 
home, working as a carpenter, and after his mar- 
riage, which occurred the following year, de- 
voted himself more industriously than ever to the 
acquisition of a home and competence. In 1882 
he settled i.m ninety-five acres of the Jacob Spons- 
ler estate, of which he cleared twenty acres, and 
later bought si.Kt\' acres adjoining. His farm is 
a valuable one, well adajited to raising all kinds 
of crops and stock. 

March 31, 1S74, .\. J. Sponsler and Miss Ad- 
elia C. vSieg were united in marriage. She was 
the daughter of Paul K. and Rebecca Sieg, and 
was born February 8, 1.S46. To the union of our 
subject and his wife were born three children; 
Maud, May 19, 1S75; Maggie, March 30, 1877; 
and Paul, June 24, 18S0. The wife and mother 
died .-Vpril 20, 1882, and was buried in Sieg Cem- 
etery. November 19, 1S84, Mr. Sponsler mar- 
ried Miss Mary E. Johnson, whose birth occurred 
May ig, 1852, in this county. She was a daugh- 
ter of Henry and Martha ( .Smith ) Johnson, na- 
ti\-es of Ohio and the parents of ten children, 
nine of whom survive. Mrs. Johnson died in the 
year 1887. Mr. Johnson has alwa_\s lieen en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits, and has lieen a 
local minister of the Methodist Episcopal denom- 



ination. Two daughters were l)orn to Mr. .Spon- 
sler and his second wife, namelx: hUhel, Jidy 28, 
1886; and Eva Mary, March 29, i.s.S(,. 

In his .social relations Mr. .Sj^onsler holds mem- 
bership with "Pap" Thomas Connnander\-, V. 
V. II., of Kenton. He uses his right of I'ranchise 
in favcjr of the Repulilican party, and has acted 
in the capacity of .School Director and .Super\'isor. 
He is noted for his generosity- and justice to all 
with whom he comes in contact, and is a valued 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 






(John H. THOMAS, the present Po.stma.ster 
I of Marion, has ahvaws taken great interest 
(2/ in local politics, and in 1S72 was elected As- 
ses.sor of Prospect Township, ser\-ing as such for 
five years. In 1S80 he was elected I, and A\i- 
praiser of Prospect Township, and in the fall of 
the following year was honored by his election 
to the po.sition of Clerk of the County Coiut. He 
took charge of the office March 9, 1882, and dur- 
ing the six years of his ser\'ice in that trust- 
worthy position won laurels both for himself and 
for the Democratic ]iarty, whose candidate he 
was. In May, 1894, he received the appoint- 
ment to the Po.stmastership of Marion, and is a 
very popular and genial official. 

Mr. Thomas was born in Prince William Coun- 
ty, Va., Ma)- 25, 1S46, being a son of Benjamin 
F. Thomas, also a native of that state, but of 
Scotch ancestry. He was an extensive farmer, 
speculator and slave- owner, and besides was pro- 
prietor of a fleet of boats. In 1852 he moved to 
Washington and .soon afterward died. It was 
found that his estate was not in as good a condi- 
tion as had l)een expected, and for a time his 
widow conducted what is now known as the 
American House, on the corner of Pennsylvania 
A\'enue and Seventh .Street. Her maiden name 
was Sarah A. Howison, and she was a nati\'e of 
Virginia, being a member of one of the best old 
families of that state. From her aunt, who was 



462 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



a large slave-holder, she inherited her entire es- 
tate and twenty slaves, but liberated the latter in 
Washington. In 1858 she moved to Delaware 
County, Ohio, and the following year was mar- 
ried to William Ward, who died in 1861. In 
May, 1869, she removed to Marion County. 

Our subject is the eldest son and the fifth in a 
family numbering eight children. Three of his 
sisters died when young; Julia F. married a Mr. 
Landon, who is now deceased; Charles E. is a 
farmer of this county; and B. F. is Street Com- 
missioner of Marion. John H. Thomas was 
reared upon a farm and received but a limited 
education. He completed his schooling at the 
Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, and for 
.some time thereafter engaged in teaching school. 
Inheriting many of his father's traits, he early 
engaged in buying, selling and speculating with 
good success. In 1869 he settled on a farm about 
a mile north of Prospect and embarked in the 
stock bu.siness, buying and shipping to Eastern 
markets. In 1882 he was one of a company 
formed for the purpose of importing fine horses, 
and it is said that there is no better judge of high- 
grade animals in the county. In all his under- 
takings he has met with success. 

December 19, 1876, Mr. Thomas married Miss 
Mary E., only daughter of Dr. E. R. Cook, of 
Prospect, and they have three daughters, Rox- 
ana, Addie and Florence, aged, respectively, fif- 
teen, thirteen and eight years. Georgia died 
when a little less than two years of age. Mr. 
Thomas is a member of the Board of Education, 
and in his fraternal relations is a Knight-Templar 
Mason, a member of the Order of Elks and Past 
Grand of the Odd Fellows' society. 



•f#i^#-f- 



ERAXT v.. MOl'Sl\R, one of the youngest 
:ind most brilliant members of the Marion 
Counly Bar, is now .serving as Prosecuting 
Atlornev of the county, having been elected to 
that trustworthy position in the fall of 1892, on 



the Republican ticket. He had barely reached 
his majority when he was graduated with hon- 
ors from the law department of the Cincinnati 
Law School, and was soon admitted to the Bar, 
at once beginning practice in Marion, where he 
has a large and increasing clientage. In the 
spring of 1893 he was made a candidate for the 
office of City Solicitor, and although the opposi- 
tion party had a large majority in the city, he 
came within sixty votes of being elected. The 
following fall he received a majority of five hun- 
dred and eighty -five votes when running for his 
present office, overcoming a Democratic majority 
of nearly eight hundred, and making a total gain 
of almo.st fourteen hundred votes. 

The father of the above-named gentleman, Dr. 
J. A. Mouser, who was born in this county, was 
a surgeon during the Civil War, and has been a 
prominent physician for a great many years. He 
is now a resident of Larue, where he is still en- 
gaged in practice. His father, Isaac Mou.ser, was 
a native of Virginia, and one of the very early 
pioneers of this county. He was killed on the 
railroad during the Civil War. Three of his .sons 
were lawyers. Ambrose entered the service and 
was killed while fighting for the Stars and Stripes; 
Homer is an attorney -at-law in Huron, S. Dak.; 
Abram C, also a lawyer, is now living in San 
Diego, Cal. ; and Isaac is practicing law in Har- 
vey, 111. The wife of Dr. J. A. Mouser, who be- 
fore her marriage bore the name of Sarah De- 
Long, was a native of Hardin County, Ohio, com- 
ing from one of the old pioneer families. To the 
Doctor and his wife were born nine children, of 
whom Ambrose is a physician at Latty, Ohio; 
George is practicing law at Marion, Ind.; Lloyd 
is a medical .student; Howard is pursuing law 
.studies; Maude is a teacher in the Larue Union 
Schools; and May is the wife of Frank Holland, 
of Delphos, Ohio, a well known railroad man of 
that place. 

Grant E. Mouser was born in the village of 
Larue, this county, September :i, 1868, and 
passed his youth there, receiving excellent in- 
.struction in the public schools. Subsequently he 
attended tlic Ohio Normal University at Ada, and 
upon obtaining a ceitificate engaged in teaching 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



463 



school for four years. He had long cherished the 
desire to enter the legal profession, and when the 
chance offered, he entered the office of Charles 
Fisher, of this city, and afterward pursued his 
studies in the law department of the Cincinnati 
Law School. He is a very popular official, and is 
one of those energetic and promLsing young men of 
whom it is safe to predict a very successful future. 
He is a leading member of the Knights of Pythias, 
and is also identified with the Elks and Tribe of 
Ben Hur. 

November 28, 1892, the marriage of G. E. 
Mouser and Delia E. Ridgwaj* was celebrated at 
the home of the bride's father, a prominent farm- 
er residing near Earue. To our subject and his 
wife have been born two children, Helena M. 
and a .son. 

■ — g ^ p — ' . 



(TlyUIRE GRANT is one of the old residents 
/\ of Hardin County, and a progressive farmer 
\~} residing on section 18, Liberty Township. 
He has been identified with the interests of this 
section since 1863, and during that time success- 
fully engaged in pursuing his vocation. He was 
born in Richland County, tliis state, March 25, 
1822, and is t'ne son of Josiah and Susanna 
(Bowers) Ciraiit, who were married in the .state 
of \'ermont, about the year 1810. 

The father of our subject, who was an only 
child, was born in the Green Mountain State, 
April 21, 1787. He was deprived of his father's 
care when a Ijabe of two months, but was reared 
in his native state by his mother. I'pon reaching 
manhood he came to Ohio, settling near Mans- 
field, where he resided until 1834. That year we 
find him living in Crawford County, and a num- 
ber of years afterward he became a resident of Elk- 
hart County, Ind., wliere his death occurred. 
Although having learned the shoemaker's trade, 
he never followed it, more than to do work for 
his family, as he believed that farming was a 
more profitable business. He served as a soldier 
in the War of 18 12. 

Susanna Bowers was born in New Jersey, May 



30, 1797, and was the daughter of Jesse and Mar- 
tha Bowers, who were likewise natives of that 
state. Her father was a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary War, serving the entire period of seven 
years. He lived to the advanced age of ninety- 
seven years, passing away in 183(1, at the resi- 
dence of our subject's father, in Crawford County. 

To Josiah and Susanna Grant there were born 
fifteen children, named in order of their birth as 
follows: Matilda, Osnius Perr>-, Newel, Squire, 
Dickson, Laura, John Russell, vSusanna Maria, 
Castile, Cynthia, Orsilla, Sally, Abner, William 
and James Cliilcoat. Of these, our subject, Ab- 
ner, Laura and Jolni R. are all that survive. 
Abner and Ji.ihn reside in lilkhart Countw Lid.; 
and Laura, ^L■s. Rosser, nuikes her home at 
White Rock, Mich. 

Our subject was a lad of eight years at the 
time his parents mo\ed to Crawford Ci>unt>', and 
there was but one other house in Cranberry Town- 
ship when they located there. The father en- 
tered a quarter-.section of land, cleared a space, 
and erected a cal.iin, ai'ter which he began the 
arduous task of improving his farm. The coun- 
try round about was little more than a wilderness, 
and the nearest house was at Massillon, six miles 
away. There were no schools in the neighbor- 
hood, and indeed there was no need of them, as 
the population was very small. As a consequence, 
our subject only attended school three months 
during his entire life. He began working out 
by the month when fourteen years of age, finding 
employment on a farm about thirty miles from 
his home. . 

When twenty-three years of age, Mv. Grant 
purchased sixtj- acres of land in Allen County, 
which he began clearing. He kept "bachelor's 
hair ' on this property for se\-en years, when he 
was married, March 12, 1852, to Miss Eve Hall. 
The continued to reside on that place until 1S63, 
when, April 7, he bought his ]iresent place of 
eighty acres. It was all tiniberdand when he 
took possession of it, but it has since been de- 
veloped into one of the most productive estates 
in the township. Mr. Grant believes that he has 
cleared as much as three hundred acres of land, 
including his present place. 



464 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPIIICAL RECORD. 



Mrs. Eve Grant, who was born in Pickaway 
County, September i, 1829, was the daughter of 
Joseph and Sallie (Staley) Hall, the former of 
whom came from Pennsylvania, and was in turn 
the son of Thomas Hall, of English descent. 
Sallie vStaley, wh.o was born in the Keystone 
State, was the daughter of Peter Staley, and died 
February 2, 1883. To herself and husband were 
born eight children, all deceased, namely: Mel- 
choir, Peter, Jacob, John, Katie, vSallie, Betsey 
and Eve. 

By his union with Miss Hall, our subject be- 
came the father of seven children. IClvira is the 
wife of Josejih Dearth, a carpenter of Ada; Will- 
iam is engaged in business in that city; Ella is 
the wife of D. O. Helser, of Allen County; and 
Sarah, Louis, Jo.seph and James are deceased. 
On the death of his first wife, which cccurred 
February 2, 1883, Mr. Grant was married to Mary 
Ann, daughter of George and Catherine (Stover) 
Sprankle, their union being solemnized Novem- 
ber 21, 1894. They are both members of the 
Christian Church, as was al.so Mrs. Eve Grant. 
In politics our .subject is a Republican and has 
been School Director for many years. He is also 
identified with the Grange, and is a man of pa- 
triotic and public .spirit. 



((§). M^mh. -(S) 



IIIJ.IAM I). SMITH, who is one of the 
most enterprising young business men of 
Kenton, is President, Superintendent and 
Manager of The Smith-.Silk Machine Tool Com- 
pany, wiiich is one of the important industries of 
the city. This gentleman was born in Newjiort, 
Kv., Aj^ril 17, 1859, and is the .son of Daniel 
Si.iilh, also a Kentuckian by birth. The latter 
is still living in Newport, and as a loyal citizen 
lias the respect of those about him. 

Mrs. Caroline (Wagner; Smith, the mother of 



our subject, was born in Germany, whence she 
was brought to this country by her parents when 
a child. By her union with Daniel Smith, she 
became the mother of four sons and two daugh- 
ters, of whom William D. was the second-born. 
His eldest brother, Charles A., was formerly a 
diamond-setter, which trade he has abandoned of 
late years in order to engage in the coal and oil 
business in Chicago; Jacob is an engraver by 
trade, and at present has a good ])osition with the 
Dueber Watch Case Company of Canton, this 
state; John, who was also a watch engraver, de- 
parted this life in Newport, Ky., in 1893; Mary 
is now the wife of George Kyle, a shoe manufac- 
turer of Cincinnati, this state; and Elizabeth is 
unmarried and lives with her parents in Ken- 
tucky. 

The original of this sketch attended .school in 
Newport until old enough to be of assistance to 
his father, when he worked in the sawmill. Eater, 
however, he obtained a position in a rolling-mill, 
filling the .same for .several years, when he be- 
came desirous of learning the machinist's trade. 
His liking for this particular branch of work aid- 
ed him greatly in mastering it, and he soon be- 
came an expert machinist. He finally started in 
business for himself in Cincinnati, manufacturing 
tools of all kinds, and in 1890 changed liis loca- 
tion to Kenton, where a better future was offered 
him. Here he laid the foundation for the large 
business of which he is the head, and which he 
has shown himself capable of conducting. Soon 
afterward he organized the business into a .stock 
company, under the name of The Smith-Silk Ma- 
chine Tool Company, the citizens of Kenton tak- 
ing $10,000 worth of stock. Mr. Smith was 
elected its President and General Manager, and 
under his control has been built up a large lousi- 
ness for the company. The company mainifac- 
ture all kinds of heavy machinery and tools, and 
employ about forty men in the factory. Mr. 
Smith gives his personal attention to the mechan- 
ical department, and .so just and reliable is he in 
all his dealings, and so pleasant with the men in 
his employ, that he has the respect and good-will 
of all. 

William D. .Smith was married, in 18S1, to Miss 




CHRISTorilKR f.lCRUACH. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



467 



Bessie Williamson, a native of Newport, Ky., and 
the daughter of Robert Williamson, a native of 
England. They occupy a nice residence in Ken- 
ton, and number among their friends the best peo- 
ple in the city. In politics Mr. Smith is a Re- 
publican. 



.^1 



(.tT- 



^^ 



:Q 



X&^7 



^ 



eHRISTOPHER GERLACH, deceased, was 
for a great many j-ears one of the leading 
German-American farmers of Pleasant Town- 
ship, Hardin County. In March, 1844, he bought 
eighty acres ot timber-land, built a log cabin, and 
continued to improve and cultivate the place un- 
til his last years. From time to time he pur- 
cha.sed adjoining tracts of land, until at his death 
he owned two hundred and twenty acres, all in 
one body, and all but twentj'-five acres of this he 
cleared himself. After a long and well spent life 
he was called to his final rest, dying surrounded 
by his family, September 29, 1881. He was a 
faithful member of the Lutheran Church, and 
was loved and respected by his neighbors and ac- 
quaintances. On political questions he was al- 
ways to be found on the side of the Democracy, 
and though he was not partial to holding public 
office, served his fellow-citizens as School Director 
and Road vSupervi.sor when called upon to do so. 
The birth of Christopher Gerlach occurred in 
Hesse-Cassel, Germany, June i, 1815, he being 
a son of Ulrich Gerlach, Sr. In the spring of 
1834 he emigrated to the United States, and for 
five or six years resided in Pittsburg, where he 
worked at the shoemaker's trade. On account of 
poor health he then engaged in farming for a 
time, and in March, 1839, moved to Kenton. 
For two years he was engaged in running a sad- 
dlery business in partnership with his brother 
Ulrich, Jr. Subsequently, going to Champaign 
County, Ohio, he worked by the month for farm- 
ers for two years, between the villages of Liberty 
and Urbana, and then rented a farm for a year. 



In the spring of 1844 he became the owner of the 
farm on which his widow still resides. 

In Allegheny Citv, Pa., a marriage ceremony 
united the fortunes of Christopher Gerlach and 
Elizabeth Arn, March 13, 1839. She was a na- 
tive of the canton of Berne, Switzerland, burn June 
5, 1820, and is a daughter of Adam and Mary 
Arn, the latter of whom died when Mrs. Gerlach 
was a little girl. There were six other children, 
but all are now deceased. They were as follows: 
Annie, Mary, John, Barbara, and two who died in 
infancy before receiving names. Mr. Arn first 
came to America in 1826, was married, and re- 
turned to Switzerland in the fall of 1832 for the 
other members of his family. On his return, he 
sailed from Havre de Grace, France, reaching 
New York City after a sixty-five days' voyage. 
He later went to Philadelphia, but started from that 
point by wagon to Powhatan, Ohio, about twenty 
miles below Wheeling, W. Va., and in that vicin- 
ity passed the remainder of his life. In 1836 
Mrs. Gerlach went to make her home with her 
married .sister in Pittsburg, where she was em- 
ployed as a domestic. After her marriage she 
came direct to Kenton. 

Seven children came to brighten the home and 
gladden the hearts of Christopher Gerlach and 
wife, as follows: Mary, who died in infancy; John, 
who is engaged in farming near Grant; Adam, a 
farmer of this township; Margaret, wife of God- 
fried Germuth, of this town.ship; Elizabeth and 
George, twins; and Henry, who manages the old 
homestead, and lives with his mother. George 
died when twelve years of age, and his twin sis- 
ter became the wife of Nicholas Lutz, who owns 
a farm two and a-half miles east of Kenton, on 
the Marion Pike. Henry Gerlach was born Feb- 
ruary 19, 1857. April 24, 1889, he married Cal- 
lie, daughter of Anthony and Mary (Stern) 
Range, all natives of Hardin County. The fa- 
ther lives a mile and a-half west of Kenton, but 
the mother died when Mrs. Gerlach was only a 
year old. The latter was born in Kenton, July 
15, 1867, and by her marriage has become the 
mother of a little son, Clarence, whose birth oc- 
curred June 8, 1890. In politics Henry Gerlach 
adheres to his father's political principles, being 



468 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



a stanch Democrat. He is a member of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to 
Lodge No. 79, of Kenton. Mrs. Elizabeth Ger- 
lach is a member of the Reformed Church, and 
is a lad}' much beloved by all who know her. 



<0<;+*5"!"i"M-****'I" 



i++***->**++++5^ 



Gl 15IvT< MARTIN. The venerable gentleman 
Li whose honored name introduces this sketch 
I I is one of whom the biographer esteems it a 
privilege to write. A man who has trod the 
pathway of life for seventy-six years with un- 
daunted courage in the face of trials and hard- 
ship.s, and who has shown the devotion to right, 
and the beautiful traits of Christian character, 
which have distinguished Mr. Martin, deserves 
more extended praise than the feeble pen of the 
writer can give. 

Mr. Martin, who is oneof the honored pioneers 
of Marion County, is a native of Ohio, and was 
born in Pickaway County, August 4, 1819. His 
parents, Robert and Sarah (Norris) Martin, 
reared a family of fifteen children, of whom Abel 
was the thirteenth in order of birth. Of this large 
household, all are decea.sed with the exception of 
our subject. The father was born in Hampshire 
County, Va., and when quite small his uncle, 
Luther Martin, took him to rear. He remained 
an inmate of his home until attaining his six- 
teenth year, when he went to sea, and for five 
successive years was a sailor. About that time 
he was married to Mi.ss Norris, and, locating in 
liis native stale, engaged in farming until 1802, 
when wc find him a resident of Pickaway Coun- 
tv, this state. He remained in that section until 
1826, when he again took up tlie line of march 
and identified himself with the interests of this 
county, locating in wliat is now Salt Rock Town- 
ship. Here he entered a tract of land from the 
Government, and in addition to its cultivation 
gave considerable attention to raising cattle, be- 
ing at one time the largest slock dealer in the 
county. He lived in this section until his death. 



which occurred when he was eighty-eight years 
of age. He served for manj' years as Justice of 
the Peace, but with this exception could not be 
prevailed upon to hold office. During the War 
of 1 81 2 he ser%-ed as a soldier in its ranks. His 
parents, who bore the names of Robert and Su.san 
Martin, were also natives of the Old Dominion, 
while the great-graiidfather of our .subject came 
from Ireland and his wife from Scotland. 

Mrs. Sarah Martin was likewise a \'irginian 
bj' birth, and her death, which occurred when 
she was forty years of age, took place in Marion 
Count}-. Her son, our subject, was a lad of seven 
years when the removal was made to this county, 
and he continued to make his home with them 
until thirty-one years of age. In the mean time 
he had acquired a good education in the schools 
of the district, and Februarj- 20, 1851, the date 
of his marriage, was thoroughlj' fitted to com- 
mence life for himself The lady who became his 
wife was Miss Mary Brady, born Julj' 23, 1831, 
in Marion County, and was the daughter of John 
and Phebe (\V alien) Brady. Her father was 
born in New Jersey, where he was reared and 
married. Hither the young couple removed in 
an early day, and in 1830 took up their abode in 
Marion County, where Mr. Brady purchased land 
in Big Island Township and lived until his death, 
which occurred when he was seventy years of 
age. 

To our subject and wife there were born ten 
children. John, the eldest of the family, is en- 
gaged in business in the village of Morral; Phebe 
is the wife of William Gump, a farmer of this 
county; Rosanna married William Miller, also en- 
gaged in cultivating a portion of the soil of this 
town.ship; Lavina married Charles Mount, a 
farmer of Marion County; Frank died when eight- 
een years of age; Ellen married Scott Niff, an ag- 
riculturist of this locality; Maggie departed this 
life when in her ninth year; Emma passed away 
when .seven years old; Clara died at the age of 
six; and Herman still resides with his parents. 

P'or the first year after his marriage Mr. Martin 
rented a farm, but soon thereafter purchased 
eighty acres of wild land in this township, on 
which he built a log house and lived with his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



469 



family until circumstances enabled them to erect 
a more substantial and comfortable dwelling. 
Five years later he sold this property and became 
the owner of a quarter-section of land in the same 
township. This he cultivated successfully until 
1876, when he rented the farm and moved into 
the village of Morral, engaging in the mercantile 
business in partnership with his eldest son. This 
they conducted with good results until 1888, when 
the store was sold and our subject returned to the 
farm, retiring from work of any kind. Although 
not compelled to farm himself, he looks after his 
interests in this direction and sees that the estate 
is managed properly. His po.ssessions aggregate 
three hundred and eighty broad acres, which rep- 
resent his own earnings, as he .started out in life 
with nothing whatever. 

Mr. Martin is one of the oldest residents of the 
county, and can remember when Marion was the 
only town in the county, and when it contained 
only a cluster of log cabins. Indians in that 
early day were more numerous than the white 
settlers, and often occa.sioned them a great amount 
of trouble. He is in the possession of all his fac- 
ulties and enjoys life, taking an interest in the 
welfare of those around him as if he were but be- 
ginning life instead of having climbed almost to 
the summit. In politics Mr. Martin is a Repub- 
lican, and has served acceptably as Justice of the 
Peace, Township Trustee and School Director. 
He is universally esteemed, and so well known 
that these few lines will find many interested 
readers. 



0ANFORD DEVORE, who is engaged in 
/\ farming and stock-raising on section 18, 
C,*y Liberty Township, Hardin County, moved 
in i860 to this homestead, which at that time 
was covered with timber, but after putting up a 
cabin he proceeded to clear and develop a farm. 
He has succeeded well in his endeavors, and the 
entire farm is now under cultivation and well im- 



proved. He is a nati\'e of l'i.-nnsylvania, and 
was born in Washington County, Jul\- 22, 1826. 

Our subject's fiither, Jacob Devore, was born 
in Washington County in iSc>i, and in 1S32 emi- 
grated to Carroll Count\', Ohio, but previous to 
this, about 1820, he had married Miss Catherine 
McCartne\'. In i.S.V'i he l)ecame a resident of Col- 
umbiana County, and two years later settled 
in Buck Township, near Kenton. His last 5^ears 
were spent in Jackson Township, where he de- 
parted this life March 25, 1858. He was a weav- 
er by trade, and served a .seven-years apprentice- 
ship ill Pennsylvania and Wayne County, Ohio, 
whither his master removed. He followed the 
trade for a number of years in connection with 
farming, and was prospered. In early life he 
joined the Free- Will Baptist Cliurch, but cfter 
coming to this state became a member of the 
Christian Church. Politically he was a Whig, 
and in 1856 voted the Republican ticket. His 
grandfather, Andrew Devore, was a native of 
France, and died about 1830, at the extreme old 
age of ninety-seven years. He was a General in 
the French arm)', and was also a soldier and of- 
ficer in the Revolutionary War. Several of his 
sons were in the War of 1S12, and he was known 
as "Old General Devore." Our subject remem- 
bers him as a tall, powerful man, and recollects 
the old sword which u.sed to hang by liis bed. 
When Pennsylvania was first settled, he and a 
brother took up a whole township ( Mingo Town- 
.ship, Washington County I, but were not allowed 
to take out patents on more than half of that 
amount. 

Joshua, the father of Jacol) Devore, was born in 
Washington County, and died when Jacob was 
quite young. His wife, wIkj bore the maiden 
name of Pernina A. Gibson, was also a native of 
Washington County, and became the mother of 
four children. Catherine (McCartney) Devore 
was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., in 1S03, 
and is a daughter of James and Ann ( vSandfordj 
McCartney. The former died in early manhood, 
but his wife lived to be ninety-nine years, seven 
months and five days old. She visited our sub- 
ject's parents in (Jliio when in her ninety-fifth 
year, and returned to Penns\-lvania, where her de- 



470 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



raise occurred about 1848. A brother and sister 
of Ann Sanford were captured by the Indians, 
and were kept in captivity for seven , years. 
Their father kept a mill on the Susquehanna 
River, near Lewistown. 

Sanford Devore is one of ten children, the others 
being Lewis, of Huntington County, Ind. ; Joshua, 
who now lives in Cass Counij', Iowa; George, 
who was killed in the war; Robert, a resident of 
Jackson Township; Jacob, who died in the Un- 
ion army during the war; Elijah, of Kosciuscko 
County, Ind.; James, who died in youth; and 
Elwood and Joseph, who dwell in Forest, Hardin 
County, the latter being a Mason. Young San- 
ford attended school in his native .state one term 
before coining to Ohio, and later attended .sub- 
scription schools. He worked for his father until 
reaching his majority, and for several summers 
drove stock across the mountains to the eastern 
markets. Then for two years he traveled with a 
circus, a part of the time being with the well 
known old Dan Rice, and visited points in the 
Central States, Virginia, Kentucky and Teinies- 
see. Subsequently he was employed on the Wa- 
bash Railroad for about six months, after which 
he was variously engaged. For three years after 
his marriage he rented land in Jackson Town- 
ship, but for thirty-five years he has lived on his 
present homestead. 

June I, 1857, Mr. Devore and Martha M. John- 
son were iniited in marriage. She was born near 
Kenton, April 3, 1837, and is a daughter of John 
and Catherine (Johnson) Johnson, being the sev- 
enth of their eleven children. The father was 
born in Virginia, whence his father, John, Sr., 
had moved at a very early day. Both father and 
son were .soldiers in the War of 18 12, and the lat- 
ter drew a pension until his death, which occur- 
red in 1887. He was then ninety-two years old, 
and enjoyed good health until his last year. 
When he was past ninety-one he walked from 
Ada to our subject's residence, a distance of about 
three miles. Eight children were born to our 
subject and his wife. The two eldest, John and 
Jacob, died in infancy; Angeline died when six- 
teen years of age; the next in order of birth are 
Delana and James; then follows George, who is 



now a resident of Ada and operates a farm; Flora 

A. died in infancy; and Nanny's death occurred 
when she was in her fourth year. 

The father of Mrs. Devore was one of the first 
.settlers in Hardin County, only two or three 
families living outside of the forts, as the Indians 
were still in possession. He cut his way through 
the timber to Ft. McArthur and built a cabin on 
land which he entered as .soon as it came into the 
market. For a time he lived in the old fort, and to 
him was given the fir.st tax receipt ever issued in 
the county. A copy of this appeared in the Ada 
paper about 1885. He .selected property- in the 
center of the county, as he believed that the coun- 
ty seat would be eventually located there. This 
tract of eighty acres was situated two and a-half 
miles north of Kenton, and after improving it he 
sold out and bought three hundred and twenty 
acres. This land he also improved and sold, and 
at the time of his death he owned upwards of six 
hundred acres, which he gave to his children. 
Mr. and Mrs. Devore are members of the Christian 
Church. Our subject has always voted the Re- 
publican ticket, and has frequently served as 
School Director and Road Supervisor. 



-2^Si&^s;:f, 



!#^li-^H^I 



IILLIAM M. NEVILLE. Doubtless no 
citizen of Hardin County is better known 
in the village and township of Roundhead 
than the subject of this sketch, who occupies and 
cultivates a valuable farm on section 33. For 
some years he was engaged in the mercantile bus- 
ine.ss in Roundhead, and later, elected SheriflF of 
thecountj', he removed to Kenton, where he re- 
mained until the expiration of his term of office. 
With the progress of the county he has been 
closely identified, and no man has contributed 
more to its development than has he. While a 
member of the Board of Connnissioners, he a.s- 
sisted in putting in a ditch that has drained thirty 
thousand acres, thereby greatly increasing the 
value of property. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



471 



III the city of Bellefontaine, this state, the birth 
of William M. Neville occurred January 14, 1840. 
His parents, Samuel and Maria (Murphy) Nev- 
ille, were born in Virginia, the former March 6, 
1802, and the latter December 28, 1802. The 
paternal grandfather was also a Virginian by 
birth. In 1837 Samuel Neville settled in Belle- 
fontaine, Ohio, where he followed the trade of a 
saddle and harness maker, and also made a spe- 
cialty of the manufacture of the Neville Horse 
Collar. In 1845 he moved to Roundhead, where 
he carried on business in the same line until his 
death. For a time he was proprietor of the only 
hotel in the village. 

In the parental famil}' there were four sons and 
six daughters, all of whom attained years of ma- 
turity and eight are still living. Rebecca is the 
wife of Dr. Leedon, of Quincy, Ohio, formerly 
Master Mason of the state. Mary married Dr. 
Parker, of Parishville, N. Y. Lizzie H. is the 
wife of Hon. Edward Cooper, who represented 
Shelby ville, Ind., in the State Legislature for 
two terms. J. S. is a physician; and Matilda R., 
his twin sister, married G. R. Forsyth, of Louis- 
ville, Ky. Samuel W., who for some years was 
a railroad engineer, is now engaged in the lum- 
ber business in Virginia. Maria M. is the wife 
of Dr. John Perry, an influential citizen of Shel- 
byville, Ind. Wesley L., who died May 26, 1870, 
was a graduate of the Cincinnati Medical College 
and a successful physician. William M. is the 
ninth in order of birth. Ennua V., who died 
November 12, 1867, married Albert V. Gorgus, 
a wholesale and retail hardware dealer of vShelby- 
ville, Ind. The father of these children was a 
life-long Democrat, and for twenty years filled 
the office of Township Clerk. Mrs. Neville was 
a life-long worker in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Her husband died June 3, 1873, but 
she survived him main' years, dying November 
2, 1887. 

January 19, 1870, at Roundhead, occurred the 
marriage of William M. Neville and Laura C. 
Vandemark. This lady was born February 25, 
1845, and is a daughter of Daniel and Margaret 
(DuBois) Vandemark, natives of New Jersey, 
l)ut for many years residents of Middletown, Ohio. 



The seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Neville 
are still living, namely: Emma V., who was born 
March 3, 1871; Clarence E., November 23, 1872; 
William V., August 14, 1874; John D., Septem- 
ber 5, 1876; Grace E., November 14, 1878; Les- 
ter R., January 22, 1881; and Earl Augustus, 
October 28, 1882. 

Since a lad of thirteen years, our subject has 
made his own wa)^ in the world. In the spring 
of 1855 he received a certificate to teach school, 
and at once entered that occupation, his first term 
being in Logan County. For eleven consecutive 
years he taught in Logan and Shelby Counties, 
after which, in 1867, he came to Roundhead and 
accepted the position of Principal of the .school 
here. It is worthy of note that during the two 
terms he taught in this village fourteen were 
prepared under his in.struction for the teacher's 
profession. He had an average attendance of 
seventy-six pupils in the school. 

In 1868 Mr. Neville erected the store he now 
occupies on Lot No. 8 in Roundhead village, and 
here he embarked in the general mercantile bus- 
iness under the firm name of Neville & Pfeiffer. 
Nineteen months later the partnership was dis- 
solved, Mr. Neville selling out to his partner, but 
in a short time he bought a uew stock and moved 
back to the old .stand. He carried on a profita- 
ble trade until 1874, when he .sold to Robert Lyle. 
Two years prior to this he bought one hundred 
and sixty acres, to which he has since added un- 
til he now owns two hundred and eight acres on 
.sections 32 and i,t,. In connection with general 
farming he has been an extensive dealer in hor.ses 
and cattle, and has been especially successful in 
the breeding of Shorthorn cattle. 

In the fall of 1 883 Mr. Neville was elected Coun- 
ty Connnissioner, in which capacity he served for 
one term. In 18S9 he was elected Sheriff of Har- 
din County, and filled that responsible position to 
the utmost satisfaction of all concerned. In 1868 
he received the appointment of Postmaster, and 
was again chosen for that position in 1892. Dur- 
ing the last-named year he again entered the 
mercantile business, and, in partnership with his 
sons, carries on a profitable trade among the peo- 
ple of the village and the farmers of the surround- 



47^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ing couiitn-. He takes an active interest in po- 
litical affairs, and is a stanch advocate of Demo- 
cratic principles. In religious belief he is a Pres- 
byterian. Both as a general farmer and business 
man, he has been remarkably successful, and 
justly deserves the honored place he occupies 
among the best people of the county. 



3*>'}*'3»4' i 



gl-ORGE W. SWALLOW carries on a fine 
farm in Taylor Creek Township, Hardin 
County. He has made his home here for 
the past ten years, during whicli time he has been 
respected and honored h\ those with whom he 
has come in contact, and has made hosts of 
friends among his neighbors. A native of 
the Buckeye State, he was born in Harrison 
County, Februarj- lo, 1S36, and with the excep- 
tion of the time spent in the service on southern 
battlefields, has always lived in this state. 

Wurmley Swallow, father of our subject, was 
born September 2, 1804, in Fauquier County, 
\'a., and removed to Hairi.son County, Ohio, in 
1827. For a period of six years he carried on a 
farm near New Athens, then went to Logan 
Counl\-, where he purchased a place containing 
two hundred acres, nio.st of which was timber- 
land. Building a two-story cabin, he began clear- 
ing away the forests, and lived there until the 
sjiring of 1869. At that time he .sold out, and 
was retired from business three years, his home 
being in Zancsfield. Later, going to the vicinity 
of BcUefonlaine, he liought a tract of eighty acres 
of land, whicli was \alued at 58o an acre. On this 
farm his death occurretl in 1SS5, when he was in 
his eighty-second year. He was ver\- successful 
as a veterinary surgeon, and had a large practice. 

The wife of Wormley Swallow bore the maiden 
name of Harriet Riley. She was born in the 
.same comity as was her liu.sband, June 7, 1807, 
and survived him but a year, dying at the age of 
eighty years. To their union there were born 
the following children: Pre.sley, who married Sa- 



rah J. Ballinger; Jamfes, who died in 1886; Nancy 
J., who died in 1868; George W.; Nathan R., 
who married Mary Copp; Amanda E., wife of 
John Blakely; Martha, unmarried; John P., who 
wedded Harriet Copp: William M., who married 
Lydia Lomax; Harriet, who was the wife of 
Luther Hugh, and died in 1 88 1 ; and Julia E., 
Mrs. Shelby Hugh. 

The boj-hood of George W. Swallow was 
passed on his father's old homestead. He con- 
tinued to reside with his parents until reaching 
his majority, in the mean time learning the car- 
penter's trade. Junei, 1862, he enlisted in com- 
pany D, Eighty -.seventh Ohio Infantry, at Ken- 
ton, under Captain Herrick. Going to Harper's 
Ferry, he was in General Miles' army at the time 
of its surrender to the rebels, and was held a 
prisoner five months. Coming home, he re-en- 
listed, Januan.- 25, 1S65, in Company D, One 
Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio Infantr>-, un- 
der Capt. Robert G. Librand, and was honorably 
discharged, September 1, 1S65, at Winchester, 
Va. 

For two years after the war Mr. Swallow oper- 
ated his father's farm in Logan County, but in 
the spring of i866 he rented a place in Hale Town- 
ship, this county. A year later he returned to 
Logan County, and was again a renter for two 
years, and afterward he rented another home- 
stead near Zanesfield, living there three years. 
Then he conducted a farm in the vicinity of 
Ridgeway, Hardin Count.\', for a period of five 
years, and later rented land of his wife's father 
for three years, when he went back to Hale Town- 
ship for a year. The ne.xt form that he managed 
was near Bellefontaine, and this was his home 
four years, after which he took care of his aged 
father until his death. In 1883 he bought fifty- 
three acres in Taylor Creek Town.ship, where he 
has since resided. 

May 21, 1863, the marriage of our subject and 
Sarah M. Bird was celebrated. She is a daugh- 
ter of Gorham and Arsidelia (Scott) Bird, the 
former born in New York State, October 21, 
1817, and the latter born May 9, 1821. Mr. 
Bird died June 23, 1891. while his wife died Jan- 
uary II, 1S91. Their family numbered sixchil- 



PORTRAIT AND BKKiRAl'IIICAL RKCORl). 



473 



(Ireii: Jdliii W., whu died in the service, aged 
UveiilN-fne yenrs; Sarali M.; Caroline and Eniel- 
ine, twins; Dorwin; and Mrs. Dt-lla Sharp. Mr. 
and Mrs. Swalhiw liave had Ixjrn to tlieni t\\i> 
children. Charlie W . , whnse hiilh (K(urri<l Se]i- 
teinher (i, 1864, ni:irrie<l Ilattie Shineeker, Jnly 
25, 1894, in Logan County. Pearl, horn Jid\' 
29, 1877, lives at home and attends school at 
Uidgtwaw 

I'"olI()\ving his father's exani])le, our subject 
uses hi.s ballot in behall of the Democratic party. 
Mrs. Swallow is a memljer of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. 



'^^SE 



HI'TON K. GUTIIKRY, Auditor of Marion 
County, is a leader in the Democratic ])arty 
of this locality, and is the most jjopular and 
painstaking official that the county has everliad in 
this position. He was made a candidate in 1S92, 
and in the ensuing election received a large major- 
ity. One of the native sons of M.arion County, 
he was born in Howling Oreen Township, and 
within its limits he grew to manhood. 

Isaac F. Guthery, father of the gentleman 
whose name heads this article, was born in 1821, 
in Scioto County, Ohio, being a .son of Joseph 
Outhery, a native of Pennsylvania and of .Scotch 
ancestry. The great-grandfather of our subject, 
John, was born in the Highlauds of Scotland, 
and emigrated to America in Colonial days, .serv- 
ing in the Revolutionary War and in the succeed- 
ing war with ICngland. He was a Colonel in the 
War of 18 1 2, and came to Ohio as an emplcjye of 
the Goverinnent, engaging in the survey of the 
Northwest Territory. He made his place of 
abode in Scioto and Pike Counties, and was a 
very jjroniinent figure in those pioneer "days. His 
son Jo.seph was one of the earliest settlers in 
Marion County, and was the first Justice of the 
Peace in Bowling Green Township, serving for 
some eighteen years. James Guthery, of Ken- 
tuck\-, who was Secretary of .State during 



Buchanan's administration, was an own cousin 
of our subject's grandfather. The father, Isaac I'\, 
ser\ed two terms as County Conunissioner of this 
coiuitN-, ;uid twice enlisted for the Civil War, but 
was rejected on account of an injury to one of 
his arms. He w.as a ])roniinent farmer and 
stockman of this \icinity, and departed this life 
in 1887. (Jne of his brothers, John D., was a 
Re])resentative in the .Slate Legislature for two 
terms, and thus it ma\' be seen that there have 
Ijcen many members of the family who Iia\-e held 
influential ])laces in society and in the Go\-ern- 
ment. 

In 1840 Isaac Guthery married Rachel P'red- 
erick, a native of \Mrginia, anil a daughter of 
Philip P'redirick, of German origin. The l'amil\- 
was out: of the old and iirominent ones in Vir- 
ginia, there having been many of the name who 
were noted as lawyers, judges and ministers. 
Phili]> I'rederick emigrated to (Jhio in an early 
day, and became the proprietor of a large flour- 
ing-mill. Mrs. (julhery is still living, and is now 
in Chirks, Neb., where the family have extensive 
possessions. Three of her sons, S. A., W. E. 
and P. H., are in the nuicli birsiness in Neb- 
raska and W\oming. The first-named was at 
one time .Sheriff of Marion County, and was Clerk 
of Converse County, Wyo., for one term. 
W. Iv lias been a memljer of the Wyoming 
Legislature. 

Upton K. Guther\- was Ixjrn July 3, 1H51, and 
is the third in a family numljering .seven children. 
He was reared on his father's farm in this coun- 
ty, and received his higher education at Delaware 
College and at the I^ebanon Normal. When he 
was but seventeen years of age he commenced 
teaching, antl w'as in charge of a country school 
for five terms, after which he was Superintendent 
of the Larue .schools for three years, and then 
taught for a j-ear in the .State Normal at Medina, 
Ohio. Going West, he next embarked in the 
ranch Imsiness with his brothers, but later be- 
came a member of an importing company locat- 
ed at Lincoln, Neb. He was connected with this 
firm for four years, during which time he made five 
trips to Ivurope on the comj)any's business. In 
the mean time he was .also comiecte<l with an im- 



474 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



porting company of Marion, and besides dealt ex- 
tensively in fine blooded horses. He returned to 
this locality to make a permanent home in 1888, 
and has since been thoroughly identified with 
this section. 

In 1879 Mr. Guthery was married to Sarah J. 
Moore, of this city, and by their union have been 
born three sons and two daughters: Charles 
E., Fred E., Clara L., Isaac F. and Helen Love. 
Mr.s. Guthery was born in 1841, in Marion, and 
is a lady of good education and fine social attain- 
ments. 

Many of the leading business concerns of Mar- 
ion have been glad to have Mr. Guthery give 
them his influence and support, and in this way 
he has been a prominent factor in the upbuilding 
of the city. At the present time he is President 
of the Marion Fence Manufacturing Company, 
and numerous other concerns. He is a Knight 
Templar Mason, and is also a member of the 
Benevolent Order of Elks. 



^ 






REV. JAMES A. BURNS, rector of St. Mary's 
Roman Catholic Church at Marion, has the 
reputation of being one of the most popular 
pastors in the state. Tiie zeal he evinces in his 
chosen work has lately been shown by the efforts 
he has made in coimection with the building of 
the splendid new church in his parish, which 
is one of the finest in the diocese, and the corner- 
stone of which was laid October 14, 1894. Work- 
ing hand in hand with his people, ever alive to 
their best interests, he has come to be regarded 
l)y them as a friend and brother, as well as their 
spiritual counselor and guide. 

Father Burns is a native of Ireland, born in 
County Donegal, although, as he was brought 
to this country by his parents when an in- 
fant, lie is to all intents and purposes an Ameri- 
can. He was one of a family of nine chil- 



dren, and the youngest, his birth having taken 
place June 29, 1843. Hisparents were poor, but, 
poor as they were, they still had the ambition 
which actuates .so manj- Irish fathers and mothers 
to deny themselves that one of the sons at lea.st 
shall be a priest. The family located in Cincin- 
nati on coming to this coimtry, but moved from 
there in the early '50s to Tennes.see, settling near 
Nashville. However, the disturbed state of the 
South just prior to the outbreak of the Rebellion 
again made a removal advisable, and the family 
returned to Ohio. 

In the beginning of the war Father Burns 
threw aside his books, eager like many thousands 
of other young men to join the fray. He received 
an appointment under William H. Lape, of New^- 
port, Ky., who had a Government contract to 
construct powder magazines in the ordnance 
boats on the Ohio River. He saw little active 
service, and in 1861, when his kind friend, Mr. 
Lape, had fulfilled his contract, he returned to 
his studies under his pastor, the late Rt.-Rev. 
Bishop Gilmour, of Cleveland, Ohio. Later he 
studied in a select school, under the instruction 
of the reverend and learned William Tappart, un- 
til 1863, when he entered St. Thomas' College, 
near Beardstown, Ky. He was thence transfer- 
red to the famous "Mt. St. Mary's of the West" 
at Cinciiuiati, there remaining until he was or- 
dained by Archbishop Purcell, April 16, 1872, 
when not quite twenty-nine years old. 

The first duties to which P'ather Burns was as- 
signed after his ordination were those of a.s.sistant 
to the pa.stor of St. Raphael's Church near Spring- 
field, where he remained until 1876, fir.st under 
Rev. Father Thisse, and after his death under 
his successor. Very Rev. Dean Sidley. During 
this time his abilities had been recognized by his 
superiors, and on leaving Springfield he was sent 
to organize St. Paul's Mission at Yellow Springs, 
in Greene County, Ohio. He succeeded in es- 
tablishing permanently a resident pastor at the 
church there, and was thence sent to London, 
Madison County, in this state, as pastor of St. 
Patrick's Church. After a ser\'ice of two and a- 
half years at London, he was finally transferred 
to this town, February 24, 1881, and has been here 




TIID.MAS McCAM, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



477 



ever since, a period of fourteen years. In 1891 
he had the pleasure of seeing work begun on a 
fine new church, the parish having grown so un- 
der his ministrations that a new building was al- 
most a necessity. 

Personally Father Burns is a man who arouses 
respect and liking wherever he goes. Imbued 
with a strong sense of his responsibilities, his 
position is no sinecure, but he is never too busy 
to take an interest in whatever will benefit the 
town, regardless of sectional lines. A great 
reader, and possessed of a genial Irish wit and a 
wonderful memory, he is a pleasant man to meet, 
and the confidence reposed in him and the affec- 
tion with which he is regarded by his parishioners 
and the towii.speople at large find daily expres- 
sion. 



*^ HOMAS McCALL. Numerous instances 
I Q might be cited in Hardin County of men 
\fj who, by dint of persevering application and 
energy, have risen from an humble position to 
one of usefulness and influence. They furnish 
proofs of cheerful, honest labor and a zealous de- 
termination to make the most of every advantage 
offered. Among this cla.ss of succes.sful men, 
mention belongs to the gentleman with whose 
name we introduce this sketch. He was former- 
ly one of the prominent farmers of the county, 
but departed this life June 30, 1893. 

Mr. McCall was born December 10, 181 1, in 
Washington Count\', Pa., and was one in a fam- 
ily of ten children born to his parents. He re- 
mained in his native .state until about seventeen 
years of age, when he made a trip to this .state 
with his father and mother, who settled in Port- 
age County. He remained but a .short time, 
however, when he returned to Pennsylvania and 
made his home with an aunt, who was residing 
on a farm. He aided her in carrjing on the es- 
tate, and lived there until attaining his majority. 
He then joined the family in Portage County and, 
findini; that the\- were not getting along very 



well, bought his father's claim, and remained 
there for four years, or until his marriage. 

The event above referred to occurred in 1837, 
and in the spring of 1839 Mr. McCall removed to 
Logan County, this state, where he was a renter for 
.some two years. The next change which he made 
found him in Hardin County, where he invested 
his capital in two hundred acres of timber-land in 
Hale Township. On this he built a log cabin 
and began the work of clearing the land. He 
was prosperous from the very first, and after cul- 
tivating his farm for seven years sold it and pur- 
chased one hundred acres, to which he added 
from time to time until it aggregated two hun- 
dred and twelve acres. He devoted his entire 
time and attention to the improvement of his land, 
and at the time of his decease had made his es- 
tate one of the finest in the county. 

The maiden name of our subject's wife was 
Miss Judith Bloomfield. She was born January 
15, 18 1 9, in Crawford County, Pa., to Louis and 
Susanna ( Kirk ) Bloomfield, who were the par- 
ents of ten children. Her union with Mr. Mc- 
Call resulted in the birth of fifteen children, of 
whom the eldest, Mary E., died at the age of 
eighteen years; Henry C. departed this life when 
a lad of fifteen years; Elmira was two years older 
than her brother at the time of her death; Melissa 
is the wife of Evan James, and lives in Kansas; 
Cynthia died at the age of twenty-one years; 
Lucinda is now Mrs. Eli Bowlen, of Michigan; 
vSusan married Clark Burg, and they make their 
home in Union County, this state; Louis B. is a 
farmer in Indiana; William is an agriculturist of 
Logan County, this .state; Thomas M. is a resi- 
dent of Mt. Victory; Sarah died when twenty-one 
years old; Matilda became the wife of Dan- 
iel B. Willie, and at her death left four children; 
Chase is engaged in business at Mt. Victory; and 
the two youngest members of the family died in 
infancy. 

In earl)' life Mr. McCall voted the Republican 
ticket, but later, finding that he had reason to 
change his views, cast a vote in favor of Prohibi- 
tion candidates. He served one term as Trustee 
of his township, and in many other ways took a 
prominent part in its affairs. He had the honor 



478 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of naming the town of Mt. Victorj' at the time it 
was laid out. In the truest sense of the term he 
was self-made, and at the time of his death left a 
valuable and well improved estate, upon which 
his wife now resides. He was a member of the 
Christian Church, and bore a high reputation in 
his locality for his many worthy qualities and 
kindliness of heart. 



gUSRV P. SWENKV, Superintendent of the 
Marion Steam Shovel Works, was born in 
Marion, Ohio, September 19, 1855. His 
father. Dr. Isaac Sweney, a leading pioneer phy- 
sician, was born in Crawford County, seven miles 
east of Bucyrus, Ohio, and was graduated from 
the Columbus Medical College. Commencing in 
practice in 1853, he made his home in Marion for 
a few years, but from this place, in 1857, went to 
Kinmundy, Marion County, 111., where he re- 
mained until 1 87 1. On his return to Marion, he 
embarked in the drug business, and continued 
thus engaged until his death, in 1875. While in 
Illinois he served as Mayor of Kinnnuidy, and 
held other responsible positions. Socially he was 
connected with the Masons and Odd Fellows. 

The grandfather of our subject, Col. I.saac 
Sweney, was a native of Adams County, Pa., but 
removing from there to Ohio became a pioneer of 
Crawford County. During the War of 181 2 he 
held the rank of Colonel. The family originated 
in the North of Ireland, and the first representa- 
tive in America was our subject's great-great- 
grandfather, Miles Sweney, who cros.sed the At- 
lantic in 1701, being at that time nineteen years 
of age. He .settled in Bucks County, Pa., where 
he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and thence 
he went to York County, the .same state, where 
his death occurred. His five sons were George, 
Isaac, James, John and Thomas. The two first- 
named were soldiers in the Revolutionary War, 
i)i which Isaac held a Captain's connnissioii and 
George served in a minor office. A brother of 



Miles Sweney was one of the signers of the Dec- 
laration of Independence and a niemlxr of the 
Continental Congre.ss. 

The youngest .son of Miles Sweney was Thomas, 
the great-grandfather of our subject. He was 
one of the early settlers of Crawford County, of 
which he was Surveyor. He married a Miss 
Dunwoody and afterward went to Indiana. Dr. 
Robert h. Sweney, a brother of Col. Isaac and 
an uncle of our subject, was one of the early ph}-- 
sicians of Marion, but retired from practice some 
years ago, and at the age of .seventy-two still 
makes his home in Marion. Our subject's moth- 
er, who is also a resident of this city, was Clar- 
rinda H., daughter of Major Bu.sby, who gained 
his title in the War of 181 2, and re])resented this 
district in Congress in 1844. 

The subject of this sketch and his brother, M. 
Eugene, are the only children of their parents; 
the latter is now shipping clerk for the Marion 
vSteam Shovel Works. Our subject was a child 
of two years when his parents removed to Kin- 
mundy, 111., and in that place his boyhood years 
were uneventfully pas.sed, his education being 
obtained in the high school there. For a time he 
was clerk in his father's drug store, but after the 
death of that parent he entered the emploj' of 
the Huber Manufacturing Company, learning the 
machinist's trade in the shops and ma.stering everj^ 
detail of the business. In 1S82 he severed his 
connection with the Huber Works, and when 
H. M. Barnhart invented the famous steam shovel 
he assisted in constructing the first one built. 
Upon the organization of the Marion Steam 
Shovel Company, he was made foreman of the 
shops, and later was promoted to the position of 
assistant superintendent. In 1S89 he was made 
General Superintendent, a place for which his long 
experience and thorough knowledge of every 
branch of the busine.>is admirably fitted him. 
Much credit is due him. not alone for his own 
success, but also for the success of this great 
manufacturing plant. 

Socially Mr. Sweney is a Knight-Temiilar Ma- 
.son and a member of the M\stic Shrine. At pres- 
ent he fills the ]iosition of Captain General of the 
Connnanderj- and Master of the blue lodge. In 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



479 



politics a Democrat, he is a member of the pres- 
ent City Council, under which all the street im- 
provements have beun made. His marriage, 
which took place in 1S83, united him with Miss 
Ella, daughter of ex-Ma>-or Mohr, of Marion. 
They are the parents of two sons and two daugh- 
ters, namely: Cleo Belle, Robert Kinil, W'enona 
Busbv and Kenneth Farnham. 



-^-- 



^+ 



[q) J. CARTER, M. D., President of the 
l__ Champion Iron Works of Kenton, is one of 
\^ the valued residents of the city. He was 
born on a farm near Adrian, Mich., October 9, 
1S53. His father, Richard Carter, was a native 
of New York State, whence he early removed to 
Lenawee County, Mich., becoming one of its 
pioneers. 

The mother of our subject was Mary L. Boul- 
ton prior to her marriage, and as but little is 
known of her family we are unable to give any 
facts of interest here. Her husband died many 
years ago, and she then became the wife of John 
Wells, a resident of Warren, Ind., where she 
makes her home at the present time. 

Our subject was the younger of two sons born 
to his parents. William L. makes his home in 
Eigonier, Ind., where he is a large contractor 
and builder. The father being a farmer, our sub- 
ject's early years were .spent on the home place. 
His attendance at the di.strict schools was very 
regular until attaining his seventeenth year, when 
he was given a position on the Cincinnati, Wa- 
bash & Michigan Railroad under his stepfather's 
brother, who was then Superintendent of that 
division of the road. At the end of a twelve- 
month he commenced the study of dentistry un- 
der Dr. Gants, of Ligonier, Ind., and after com- 
pleting his studies with him entered the Michi- 
gan University, from which he was graduated 
with the Class of '76. While there he attended 



medical lectures for one year, which greatly aided 
him in the profession which he had cho.sen to fol- 
low. 

In June of the \-ear in which he recei\-ed his 
degree Dr. Carter located at Kenton and at once 
opened an office for practice. In order to do this 
he was obliged to go in delit, but, meeting with 
remarkable success, this obligation was soon 
wiped out. He made money rapidly, investing 
his .surplus means in real estate. He has been 
largely interested in tjie vSciolo March Improve- 
ment Company, and until i8yi carried on these 
different enterprises. August i of that year he 
purchased stock in the Champion Iron Works, of 
which he was made Secretary. He contiiuied, 
however, toac<iuire large blocks of stock, until he 
was the owner of three-fourths of the works. 
In January, 1S94, he was elected President and 
Treasurer of the company, which has one of the 
largest plants for the manufacture of ornamental 
iron work in the state. The}' make a specialty 
of .stair work and fences, and also have large con- 
tracts to furnish the cells for jails and prisons all 
over the country. They give employment to 
about one hundred and seventy-five men, and 
nothing we can say speaks better for the manage- 
ment of the concern than the fact that through 
the bu.siness depression following the panic of 
1893 the full force of workmen was kept employed, 
and during some months the works were run on 
extra time. It is one of the leading industries 
of the thriving cit\' of Kenton, and nmch credit 
is due Dr. Carter for the wonderful success which 
has attended it. The Doctor is a careful, far-see- 
ing business man, and as one of the wealtln- res- 
idents of Kenton contributes liberally of his 
means toward the support of all worthy measures 
adopted for its benefit. He has Ijeen a member 
of the City Council, and tor the past six j'ears 
has served as President of the Board of Educa- 
tion. He aided very materially in the organ- 
ization of the free library in the city, and has 
been one of its Directors from the start. As a 
Royal Arch Mason he stands high in the order. 
He is, in fact, one of the foremost citizens of this 
place, and the soul of honor. 

Dr. Carter was married, in 1875, to Miss Py- 



480 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



rena Pancake. Her father, who is a retired 
farmer, lives in Indiana. Dr. and Mrs. Carter 
have had born to them two children, Lloyd, a lad 
of fifteen years, and Ida, aged three years. 



^^ 



EHARLEvS BARKLEY DRUM has owned 
his present farm on section 22, Goshen 
Township, Hardin County, since the year 
1877. The place, which comprises two hundred 
and twenty-eight acres, was formerly owned by 
Joseph Cowan, our subject's father-in-law, who 
divided it among his children. In order to have 
a more desirable homestead, Mr. Drum negotiated 
for his wife's brother's interest, and thus the two 
tracts were united. The farm, which is on the 
township line, was one of the first settled in this 
township. 

Our subject is a son of John and Martha (Lam- 
berson) Drum, and was born September 7, 1831, 
in Westmoreland County, Pa. His mother was 
a second wife, his father's first wife having died, 
as did her only child. In a family of nine chil- 
dren, Charles is the youngest, and but three of 
the number are now living. William L. lives at 
Peru, Ind., and Andrew Jack.son is a resident of 
Chico, Cal. When young Charles was an infant 
of six weeks, the family moved to Crawford Coun- 
ty, Ohio, where an old friend of John Drum, a 
hunter by the name of Dickson, had entered sev- 
eral tracts of land. This frontiersman was of 
great assistance to our subject's father in entering 
eighty acres of land and in helping to meet the 
payments on the same. At the end of three years, 
John Drum had paid Mr. Dick.son the amount 
due him, and in the fall of 1834 moved his family 
to Hardin County. As there was not a vacant 
house in the place upon their arrival in Ken- 
ton, the people allowed them to move into the 
jail while their log house was in process of con- 
struction. His home was built on the site of the 
old Central School. For about four years he en- 



gaged in teaming, bringing provisions from vari- 
ous points to the early settlers. He was a tailor 
by trade, but farming was more to his liking, and 
in 1838 he entered eighty acres of land in Goshen 
Township, where he made his home for over ten 
years. He borrowed money to improve his farm, 
but, not meeting with success, eventually lo.st his 
property. After that catastrophe our subject took 
care of the family, his father dying at his home 
in 1855. The latter had rented land for five 
years in Marion Count}-, but in the .spring of 
1855 bought forty acres on .section 15 of this 
township. Subsequently he traded his homestead 
of one hundred and twenty acres for his present 
farm . 

From his fifteenth year Charles B. Drum has 
had unusual responsibilities resting upon his 
shoulders. In addition to taking care of his aged 
parents he supported the widow of his brother. 
Dr. James Drum, and her child for seven years. 
The Doctor went to California in 1849, and on 
the route, while treating a patient who had been 
bitten by a snake, he accidentally pricked him- 
self with one of the instruments used, and blood 
poisoning setting in he died at Ft. Kearney. 

Augu.st 22, 1862, Mr. Drum enlisted in Com- 
panj' A, One Hundred and Twenty -third Ohio 
Infantry, at Marseilles and from that time until 
his discharge, June 15, 1865, he was stationed 
mainly in Virginia. He served in the Shenan- 
doah Valley under General Sheridan, and was a 
member of the corps that was surprised by the 
rebels at Cedar Creek. At the first battle of 
Winchester he was driving a team when attacked 
by the enemy, but got away in safety. A favor- 
ite with his captain, he was for a time attached to 
headquarters on special .service. At High Bridge, 
Appomattox, he and all his brigade were cap- 
tured. They had been sent to Inirn the bridge 
to cut off Lee's retreat, but Lee had been too quick 
for them and had an advanced guard on the .spot. 
The prisoners were kept only four days, as the 
Confederate General's .surrender followed imme- 
diately. 

While absent fighting his country's battles, the 
mother of our subject carried on the farm, and she 
continued to be his hou.sekeeper for a number of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



481 



3'ears. Her death occurred at tlie age of eighty- 
seven, ill Januarj', 1877. A year previously, on 
January 19, 1876, Charles Drum liad brought 
home as his wife and future helpmate Rebecca J., 
daughter of Joseph Cowan. Their two children, 
Mabel and Charles Lamberson, are both living 
with' their parents. Mrs. Drum is a member of 
the United Presbyterian Church of Kenton, and 
is a most estimable lady. 

A Democrat of the Jackson stripe until 1888, 
Mr. Drum then deserted the ranks of that party 
and has since been a loyal advocate of Republican 
principles. He is a man who possesses good rea- 
sons for his convictions, and to him more than 
ail)- other is due the change in the political com- 
plexion of this township, which not many years 
since had a Democratic majority of thirty-two, 
but now shows seven on the other side of the 
scale. During the Harrison campaign Mr. Drum 
made a great many speeches, both within and 
outside the county limits. He has filled a num- 
ber of township offices, and has often been a 
delegate to conventions of his party. Fraternally 
he is a member of the Union Veterans' Union. 
In his youth he was very fond of hunting, and 
was noted for his skill. Hundreds of 'coons, 
squirrels and other small game were his trophies, 
and few could excel him as an accurate shot. 
Once while on a hunting expedition he .shot the 
heads off from nine .squirrels which were on one 
tree, without changing his position. 



. LMER OSBUN is engaged in general farm- 
't) ing in Plea.sant Township, Hardin County, 
__ two miles east of Kenton. He has been a 
resident of this county since he was eight years 
of age, and has always taken great interest in all 
things pertaining to its development and general 
welfare. He is one of Ohio's native .sons, his 
birth having occurred six miles northeast of 
Mansfield, Richland County, February 19, 1841. 



The father of our subject, Nathaniel O. Osbun, 
was born in Harrison County, Ohio, July 25, 
1 812, and was about two years old when his fa- 
ther, in whose honor he had been named, moved 
to Richland County. There he received such 
education as fell to his lot until he was eighteen 
years of age, much of his time being devoted to 
farm work. He continued to live with his father 
until twenty-two years of age, when, April 13, 
1834, he married Mrs. Jane Hartman, nee Ma- 
hon. In 1849 he removed from Richland County, 
where he had been engaged in farming, to this 
county. He purchased eighty acres on section 
35, Pleasant Township, and engaged in the culti- 
vation of the tract until his death, which occurred 
February 6, 1891. He was a man of strong con- 
stitution, and rarely .suffered from any form of 
sickness until a few years prior to his death, 
which resulted from a stroke of paralysis. He 
was an old-line Jacksonian Democrat. He did 
not seek public office, and served as Road Super- 
visor several terms against his will. For years 
he was a faithful member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. He was the youngest in a family 
of four sons and four daughters born to Nathan- 
iel and Annie (Emmons) Osbun, the former of 
whom was a native of Harrison County, Ohio. 

The mother of our subject was a daughter of 
James and Amelia (Hitchcock) Mahon, who were 
born in 1783 and 1785, respectively, and who, it 
is thought, were married in vSteubenville, Jeffer- 
son County, Ohio, about 1804. Mr. Mahon died 
about 1820, and his wife about 1836. Mrs. Os- 
bun was the fourth of their seven children. Her 
maternal grandmother lived to be one hundred 
and one years of age, and the last year of her life 
was able to spin a dozen "cuts" of yarn a day. 

Elmer O.sbun is the fifth often children, and of 
the others we mention the following: Johanna, 
decea.sed, first married James Hartman, who died 
five months afterward of typhoid fever; by her 
second hu.sband, Nathaniel Osbun, a nephew of 
our subject's father, she reared a large family. 
The second in the family died in infancy, un- 
named; Amelia married William Dodds, of Belle 
Center, Logan County, Ohio; Annie died in her 
twenty-second year, unmarried; Sarah is the wife 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of James Kipp, a farmer of Logan County; Isabel 
is the wife of James Bakec, who is engaged in 
farming seven miles west of Kenton; Albert is 
deceased; Nathaniel died at the age of two years; 
and Margaret is the wife of Samuel McGaughey, 
who is clerking in Kenton. A sister of Mrs. 
Osbun, Margaret Farrel, is still living and is now 
seventy-six years old. Her husband was drowned 
in the Ohio River on his return to the army after 
a furlough. Two of Mrs. Osbun's nephews were 
killed while .ser\-ing in defense of the Union. 
For over sixty years she has been a member of 
the Methodist Epi-scopal Church. 

Elmer Osbun, of this sketch, comes from a 
patriotic family on both sides of the house. His 
paternal great-grandfather and the latter's broth- 
ers were soldiers in the War of the Revolution. 
In his political faith our subject is a .supporter of 
the Democracy. 



Qz 



-^~) 



■^H^Jli 



■\U 



/qJEORGK \V. RUTLEDGE is Secretary of 
l__ the Home Savings Building and Loan Com- 
\^ pany of Kenton, and is also ex-County Aud- 
itor of Hardin County, in which responsible of- 
fice he won an honorable record. He was born 
in Roundhead Township, Hardin County, Au- 
gust i6, 1851, while his father, Lewis Rutledge, 
was a native of Champaign County, the date of 
his birth being September 2, 181 8. He in turn 
was the sou of Richard Rutledge, who.se birth 
occurred near Hagerstown, Md., in 1796. IMie 
Irtter removed from his native .state to Kentucky 
in the year 1810, but his stay in the Blue Grass 
State was of short duration, for two years later, 
the records tell us, he came to Chanqiaign Coun- 
ty, this state, and there and in Logan County 
made his home until 1832. He was a miller and 
farmer, and from prosecuting the.se combined l)us- 
inesses derived a good income. 

Lewis Rutledge was trained by his honored fa- 
ther to farm life, and when starting out for him- 



self became one of the most extensive land-owners 
in the county. He did not confine himself entire- 
ly to looking after his own affairs, but on various 
occasions represented his fellow-citizens in posi- 
tions of responsibility and trust. He was at one 
time Treasurer of Roundhead Township, and 
while the incumbent of that office was verj' pop- 
ular. Although interested in public improve- 
ments, he was averse to extravagance or fraud, 
and thus guarding the interests of the people he 
gained their respect and confidence. He died in 
1875, leaving a large estate to his faniilj-. 

The mother of our subject was Jane Tidd, who 
was born in Hardin County in 1823, being at that 
time the first while child claiming this vicin- 
ity as the place of its birth. She departed this 
life' in March, 1873. Both on his father's and 
mother's .sides our subject is descended from fam- 
ilies who were prominent in the early history of 
Ohio, and especially of Hardin County, where the 
greater part of their lives was passed. They 
reared a family of four sons and two daughters, 
of whom only one is living besides our subject. 
This is his younger brother, Charles H., now a 
banker and broker of Los Angeles, Cal. 

The training which our subject received in the 
.schools taught in his district was such that he 
was given a certificate to teach when only seven- 
teen years old. The money obtained from this 
vocation enabled him to pursue his studies still 
further, and in 187 1 he entered the Ohio Normal 
University at Ada, from which he was graduated 
with the Class of '75. Instead of leaving and 
launching out into some business for himself, he 
purchased a one- fourth interest in that noted in- 
stitution, and for ten years was a teacher there. 

In 1S80 Mr. Rutledge purchased the Kenton 
Republican, a paper published in that city, but 
still continued his connection with the normal un- 
til 1884, when he was elected County Auditor. 
He was the incumbent of this office for two terms, 
and in 1888 organized the Home Savings Build- 
ing and Loan Company, of which lie has been 
Secretary from the start, and it is largely through 
his efforts in its behalf that it is now one of the 
reliable and prosperous organizations of this kind 
in the state. Mr. Rutledge is also Vice-President 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



483 



of the Kenton Lock Works, Director in the Elec- 
tric Light and Gas Company and Secretary of the 
ISoard of Education. He stanils ver>' high in 
many of the social orders of this cit\-, heing a 
Thirty-second Degree Mason and a Knight of 
Pythias. He has been a life-long Reiniblican in 
politics, and has taken great jiride in the suc- 
cess of his part>' during the last year. 

George \V. Rutleilge was married, in 1S73, to 
Miss Susannah vShuler, also a graduate of the 
Ohio Normal Universit}-. To them have been 
born three sons and one daughter: Earl E., now 
engaged in the insurance business in Kenton; 
Carl C, a student in the Naval Academy at An- 
napolis, Mtl.; Donna, fifteen years of age; and 
Warren, a lad of thirteen years. Mr. Rutledge 
has ever been true to the duties and responsibili- 
ties imposed upt)n him in his various official ca- 
pacities, his jiublic life is without a stain, and his 
private career is blameless. 



)m(^ 



NA RRY EDSELL. Though one of the young- 
est, this gentleman may al.so with justice lie 
called one of the most successful, newspaper 
men of Hardin County. Posse.ssing natural abil- 
ity for journalistic wurk, as well as more than 
ordinary intellectual acumen and discernment, he 
is thoroughly fitted for the occupation he has 
cho.sen, and will undoubtedly in future years gain 
a position of prominence among the jouriiali.sts 
of the state. He assi.sted in .starting the Kenton 
Pailx iVt-cs in 1889, and has since been clo.sely 
identified with the growth and prosperity of this 
jiopular paper, in addition to whicli he is one of 
the publishers of the ('rrapliic Ncics. 

The Ed.sell family has been identified with the 
history of Ohio for several generations, and its 
members have been known for probity of charac- 
ter and energy of disposition. Nor was the fa- 
ther of our subject, Harrys Edsell, Sr. , an excep- 
tion to the rule, for he, too, was a man of lofty 
principles of honor and justice, and his early 



death was a loss to his community. He was born 
in Greenville, Ohio, where his parents were well- 
to-do farmers, and in his youth he received fair 
connnon-.school advantages, which he later suj)- 
plemented by self-culture. It was his ambition 
to become a physician, and he studied medicine, 
gaining a thorough theoretical knowledge of the 
profession, but the condition of his health would 
not permit the exposure incidental to practice. 
For a number of years he taught school in Col- 
umbus and Dayton, and from this state he re- 
mo\'ed to Topeka, Kan., where his death occur- 
red at the age of about twenty-eight. 

In 1S69 Mr. Edsell married Mi.ss Lydia A. 
Hatch, who was bom in Delaware County, Ohio, 
and by their unicm one child was born, the suli- 
ject of this notice. Mrs. Ivisell was a daughter 
of T. H. Hatch, who was born in New York vState 
in 18 14, and died in Ohio in 1SS3, his occupation 
throughout his entire active life being that of a 
farmer. In 1848 he married Mi.ss Eliza J. vSutton, 
who was Ijorn in England, accompanied her par- 
ents to New Hampshire, and died in Ohio at the 
age of sixt)--four years. 

The birth of Hari"}' Edsell, Jr., occurred in 
Delaware Count)', Ohio, June 1, 187 i. His edu- 
cation, which was an excellent one, was com- 
menced ill the common .schools of Kenton, and 
has been supiilemented by practical observation of 
men and things, and thoughtful reading of his- 
torical and current literature. In boyhood he 
learned the printer's trade, and from a lowl>- posi- 
tion has worked his way ujiward to success and 
prosperity. There is no department of the busi- 
ness with which he is not thoroughly familiar, 
and his tact and skill are lironght into daily req- 
uisition in the man\- iletails connected with the 
pul>lication of the paper. .As already- stated, he 
assisted in establishing the Kenton Daily AVa'.v, 
which has the distinction of being the first suc- 
cessful daily in Kenton. He is still associated 
with it as one of the iHiblislieis, and is also con- 
nected with the Graphic Ncii's, a count\- weekly. 

Mr. Edsell is well known as a member of tlie 
Ohio National Guards, and at present holds the 
rank of Lieutenant of Company I, which he as- 
sisted in organizing. In his religic^us belief he is 



484 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



a Presbyterian and holds membership with the 
church of that denomination in Kenton. From 
boyhood his poHtical preferences have been to- 
ward the Republican party. As a citizen he ad- 
vocates, both personally and through the press, 
such enterprises as will most rapidly promote the 
growth of Kenton, and secure the greatest good 
to its residents. 



^ 



nn 

m^^^' 



(TESSE CLAYPOOL, one of the progressive 
I agriculturists of Roundhead Township, Har- 
v2/ din County, is the owner of a rich and arable 
tract of land, lying on Survey No. 10,300. This 
comprises two hundred and thirty-eight acres, on 
which stands a sub.stantial and commodious dwell- 
ing. During the entire lifetime of our subject he 
has followed agriculture, and has had good suc- 
cess in his undertakings. 

Mr. Claypool was born in Champaign County, 
Ohio, Maj' 10, 1826, to Jacob and Elizabeth 
(Logan) Claypool, natives of Bourbon and Ma- 
.son Counties, Ky., respectively. They lived in 
the Blue Gra.ss State until coming to Ohio, and 
in 1838 located in Hardin County. The father was 
a teamster by occupation, and departed this life 
about 1842. His widow survived him until 1853, 
when .she, too, pa.ssed awa\-. Their union resulted 
in the birth of eleven children, all of whom grew 
to mature years. Isabella married John Hatfield, 
and resided in McDonald Township, Hardin 
County, until her death; Elizabeth, who was the 
wife of Joseph Brown, of Hancock County, Ohio, 
died about twenty-five years ago; Samuel married 
Mary Tabor, and lives in Iowa; Jesse is our sub- 
ject; Phebe is now Mrs. Samuel Poe, of this 
county; Jonathan married Anna Hinkle, and also 
lives in Iowa; Ann is now Mrs. Courtley Hayes, 
and makes her home in Indiana; ALiry married 
John W. Hites, and resides in Iowa; Martha be- 
came the wife of George Borders, and they are 
residents of McDonald Tovvn.ship; William mar- 



ried Mary Wallace, and they live in the Ilawkeye 
State; America became the wife of Bruce Richard- 
.son, and they made their home in Mercer County, 
Ohio, but both are now deceased. 

The father of this family served as a private in 
the War of 18 12. He was a man who had little 
education, but by an experience ofman^' years as a 
business man he became well informed. In pol- 
itics he voted the Democratic ticket. His wife 
was a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

September 25, 1855, Je.s.se Claypool married 
Nancy Brees, who was born March 8, 1826, and 
was the daughter of Robert and Elida (HenrjO 
Brees, of Welsh descent. Of the nine children 
born of their marriage, three are now living. 
Robert Brees came to America about 1 792 with 
his father, and was at that time only three years 
of age. The family first located in Logan Coun- 
ty, Ohio, near Zanesfield, on sixty acres of land. 
After living there for seven years, he sold out 
and bought one hundred and twenty acres in 
Roundhead Town.ship, this county, and here 
he lived until his decease, which occurred Jul)' 
19, 1849. His wife died November 7, 1866, and 
both were buried in Roundhead Cemetery. They 
were members in excellent standing of the Uni- 
ted Presbyterian Church. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Claypool were born a son and 
daughter. Clementina, born May 22, 1857, be- 
came the wife ofOron Coulter, a farmer of Round- 
head Township, and bj- this marriage three chil- 
dren were born: Jesse Logan, now attending 
.school; Mary, who died at the age of two years; 
and one who died in infancy. The mother, who 
was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, 
died August 15, 1893. Robert, born March 6, 
1863, married Alice Dorring, and lives on the old 
homestead. Their three children are Bessie, Earl 
and Jessie. 

Jes.se Claypool started out in life at the early 
age of fourteen years, working in the woods in 
the winter months and being employed as a farm 
hand in the summer sea.son. He lived with his 
widowed mother until thirty years of age, and in 
1859 made a purchase of one hundred and eleven 
acres of land in Roundhead Town.ship, which 
forms a portion of his present valuable estate. 




JACOl! M. SI'ONSI.IvR. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



487 



Upon first taking possession of this tract he erect- 
ed thereon a log cabin 18x22 feet in dimensions, 
and containing two rooms, which were lighted by 
three windows. His next work was to clear and 
prepare the soil for cultivation, and as he pros- 
pered added to his acreage until his estate aggre- 
gated two hundred and thirtj-eight broad acres. 
In that early day game was plentiful, and in order 
to get the grain ground into bread stuffs he was 
obliged to journey eleven miles. He now makes 
a specialty of breeding Shorthorn cattle, and is 
considered one of the best stockmen in the county. 
Our subject is mainly self-educated, for, as we 
have stated, he began to work out when young to 
support his mother. He is, however, greatly in- 
terested in the cau.se of education, and has been 
Trustee of his district. He has also held the of- 
fice of Supervisor, and when the roads in this 
township were being laid out, proved of great a.s- 
sistance. He is a Prohibitionist in politics, and 
religiously is coimected with the United Presby- 
terian Church. He deserves great praise for the 
success he has made in life, and is highly regarded 
by the best citizens of Hardin County. 



-^ 



(lACQB M. SPONSLER. Few residents of 
I Hardin County were so closely identified 
Q) with its agricultural interests during a period 
covering almost a half-century as was the subject 
of this biographical notice. After a long and 
honorable life, industriously devoted to his chosen 
occupation of a farmer, he passed from earth, 
February 4, 1892, and his remains were laid to 
rest in the cemetery in Taylor Creek Township. 
Born in Cumberland County, Pa., in August, 
18 1 2, the subject of this sketch was one of six 
children comprising the family of David and Eva 
(Meyers) Sponsler, natives of Peimsylvania, who 
there remained until death. He was reared to 
manhood in the Keystone State, and at Carlisle, 
in the fall of 1836, he married Margaret Slonaker. 
This estimaljle lady was born May 15, 1814, and 

19 



is the only surviving member of a family of eight 
children, whose parents, Jacob and Catherine 
fShafner) Slonaker, were natives of Chester 
County, Pa. 

Nine children were born to the marriage of 
Jacob M. niul Margaret Sponsler. The eldest, 
Elsinda, (lied when forty j-ears old. George W. 
enlisted in the Sixteenth Ohio Battery during the 
Civil War, and while in the service died in St. 
Louis at the age of twenty-two. Winfield, who 
.served two years in the army during the war, 
married Rebecca Allen, and resides in Wayne 
County, Iowa, being engaged in farm pursuits 
there. Alvin, also a soldier in the war, mar- 
ried Mollie Johnson, and is a farmer in Taylor 
Creek Township. Elizabeth is the wife of Albert 
Foster, a farmer of Lake County, Ind. Alfred, a 
farmer by occupation, married Johanna Baldwin. 
Curtis Spon.sler, who was born January 10, 1850, 
chose as his wife Miss Maggie Shimi De Wolf, 
their union taking place Decendjcr 31, 1885. 
Mrs. Sponsler was born April 14, 1S66, in Buck 
Township, Hardin County, and is a daughter of 
Philip and Elizabeth De Wolf, being one of their 
nine children, of whom six survive. Myron, a 
farmer of Paulding County, married Maggie 
Stevenson, and they have one cliild. Horace, the 
youngest of the family, married Margaret Car- 
son, and lives upon a farm in McDonald Town- 
ship, Hardin County. 

In the spring of 1844 Mr. vS]ionsIer came to 
Ohio and settled in Taylor Creek Township, where 
he bought a lease and at once began the cultiva- 
tion of a farm. One year later he purchased six- 
ty-two acres of luiimproved land, for which he 
paid $12 per acre, and which is now included in 
the family homestead. He participated in all the 
labors incident to clearing and cultivating farm 
property, and cleared about three hundred acres 
altogether. His undertakings were pro.spered, 
and at the time of his death he was the owner of 
one thousand acres situated in Hardin and Pauld- 
ing Counties, all of the land being very valuable. 

Always interested in religious matters, Mr. 
Sponsler was an active member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and a contributor to its good 
works. His nifluence was always given to the 



488 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RF.CORD. 



cause of Prohibition and against the evils that 
threaten our country to-day. He was a member 
of the first Board of School Directors in the town- 
ship, and assisted in opening the roads in this lo- 
cality. For a time he held the position of Trus- 
tee. His education was gained rather by ex- 
perience than actual training in schools, and he 
was well infornietl. In early days he taught in a 
log schoolhousc. The seventy-nine years allot- 
ted to him in this world were busily and happily 
spent, and he passed away honored and beloved 
by all with whom he had been Ijrouglit in contact. 



+^ 



=-f 



<^lIOMAS J. McMl'RRAV. This promi- 
IQ nent citizen of Marion, whose lionored name 
Vy appears at the head of this sketch, is .senior 
member of the world-renowned firm of McMur- 
ray & Fisher, manufacturers of a high grade of 
sulkies. He was born in Steubenville, this state, 
March 2, 1841, and there the fir.st sixteen years 
of his life were spent. His education in the mean 
time had b;en conducted in the public .schools, and 
when, at the age of seventeen years, he started 
out to make his own way in the world, we find 
him journeying to Wooster, this state. He at 
once apprenticed himself to a carriage-manufact- 
urer, with the intention of learning the trade of 
carriage painting, and was there employed at the 
outbreak of the late war. 

In response to the call for more volunteers, our 
subject enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and 
Second Ohio Infantry, August 6, 1862, and for 
three years served with his regiment in the Army of 
tlie Cumberland. During this time he suffered 
hardshijis and privations which all the .soldiers 
were called upon to endure, and on his return 
liome after his honorable di.scharge continued to 
work at his trade for one year. 

In i86''i Mr. McMurray came to Marion, and, in 
company witli R. S. Moore, ]mrchased a small 
carriage-shop, in wliicli they carried on business 



until their room was destroyed by tire two years 
later. On rebuilding, his brother J. W. became 
interested with him in the business, and in 1871 
\V. B. Fisher was taken in as a member of the 
firm. They then conunenced the manufacture of 
the famous McMurray & Fisher Sulky, which is 
now in use in every civilized country on the globe, 
and which has made their name a household 
word among horsemen in other countries as well 
as the United States. Thus out of the small be- 
ginning in 1 866 has grown the largest sulky works 
in the world. Their marvelous success is due in 
a great measure to the push and energj- of the 
senior member, who from the first has been un- 
tiring in his efforts to Iniild up the business. In 
i8go it was incorporated, under the name of the 
McMurray & Fisher Sulky Company, with a cap- 
ital of $100,000. The officers are T. J. McMur- 
ray, President; W. B. Fisher, Vice-President; and 
George McMurray, Secretary and Treasurer. 

Aside from this extensive business our subject 
is interested in many other enterpri.ses in Marion, 
among them being the Farmers and Mechanics' 
Bank, of which he is one of the Directors, and 
the ice conipau)-, whose plant is located here. 
As one might expect, he is a very busy man and 
one of the popular and influential citizens of this 
place. He has been a member of the City Coun- 
cil and is at present a Director in the Marion 
Building and Loan Association. 

Religiou.sly Mr. McMurray is regarded as one 
of the valued members of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, and is a Tni.stee of the Voung Men's 
Christian Association. During the building of 
their fine new quarters he ser\'ed on the building 
committee, and his knowledge in this direction 
proved of great benefit to tho.se who had the 
building in charge. Mr. McMurray is an Odd 
Fellow in good standing, belonging to Lodge No. 
57 at Marion, and in politics is a stanch Democrat. 

The lady lo whom our subject was married in 
1.S67 was Miss KUa Randall, of Marion. She de- 
parted this life in 1890, leaving two sons: George, 
now Secretary and Treasurer of the sulky com- 
pany; and Charles, who is employed in the factor)-. 
In 1891 Mr. McMurray was married to Ivva Barn- 
hart, a sister of the late H. M. Barnhart. They 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



489 



have one son, Thomas. Our subject has a com- 
modious residence in the city, pleasantly located 
on East Church Street, and also has a Ijcautiful 
winter home in Davtona, Fla. 



[~)OBERT SEDAN. Among those who were 
Ui active in developing the agricultural resour- 
r \ ces of Hardin County, and who materially 
pnimoted its rise and progress, may be mentioned 
Roljert Sloan, a pioneer of Taylor Creek Town- 
ship. Through his energy and perseverance he 
became the owner of a valuable farm in this 
town.ship. By 3'ears of application to his chosen 
calling" and by much arduous lal)or he gained a 
solid financial footing and was enabletl to sur- 
round his family with all the comforts and many 
of the luxuries of life. 

A native of Ireland, our subject was the son of 
John and Sarah »Sloau, the former Ijorn in 1772, 
and the latter March 20. 1786. They came to 
America in an early day, and .settled in Taylor 
Creek Township, Hardin County, where they 
continued to make their home until death. The 
mother died August 20, 1.S41, and the father 
April 26, 1S66, and both were buried in the ceme- 
tery in this township. Their family consisted of 
nine children, of whom three are living. 

By his marriage with Miss Jane E. Shaw, the 
subject of this sketch became the father of three 
children, namely: Mary B., who was born in 
April, 1862: George Howard, born in Taylor 
Creek Township, December i, 1865; and Rose E., 
born June 14, 186S, now the wife of William E. 
Mansfield, of Columbus, Ohio, and the mother of 
one child. Politically our subject was firm in 
his allegiance to the Republican party. In relig- 
ious belief he adhered to the doctrines of the 
United Presbyterian Church. His life occupa- 
tion was that of a farmer, in which he met with 
commendable success. 

George Howard, son of oiu' subject, grew to 
manhood in Ta>lor Creek Township, and con- 



ducted his studies in the Normal Univer.sity at 
Ada, Ohio, from which he graduated on the 20th 
of February, 1886. He was united in marriage 
at Bellefontaine, Ohii>, on Christmas Day of 1890, 
with Miss Anna C. Beatt>-, who was Ijorn Maj' 
21, 1863. Her parents, liliasand Elizabeth ( Mc 
Cracken ) Beatty, were natives of (_)hio, and had 
a family of nine children, namely: James C, who 
married Cordelia Oakey, and li\es in Bellefon- 
taine; Mrs. vSloan; vStephen C, who married Jen- 
nie Ward, and lived in Topeka, Kan., until his 
death in 1891; Ora, who married Jane Ik-atty, 
and resides in Urbana, Ohio; Roy 1\.; Elnier, a 
resident of Bloomington, 111.; Charles, Mar\' L. 
and Ethal. 

In 1887 George H. Sloan took charge of the 
old homestead, and here he has since resided, en- 
gaged in the raising of cereals and stock. On his 
place ma\- lie found a large number of horses, as 
well as other stock of good grade. His attention 
has been given to his private affairs to the exclu- 
sion of public matters, and he has never desired 
to serve in any official capacity. He is well in- 
formed, however, in regard to the questions of 
the age, and pulitically gives his support to the 
Republican party. As did his father, he supports 
the doctrines of the United Presbyterian Church. 
As an agriculturist he is energetic and industri- 
ous, and will undoubtedly achieve an increasing 
success in future vears. 



^#C^ 



y /I ARRIAN M. KINDLE is engaged in oper- 
y ating the farm of J. L- Stemple, which is 
(^ jileasantly located on section 18, Liberty 
Township, Hardin County, and under his effici- 
ent management it is made to yield a handsome 
income to its owner each year. 

Mr. Kindle was born in Auglaize County, this 
state, August 14, 1865, and is the son of John 
and Elma (Derry) Kindle, whose marriage oc- 
curred in Hardin County about i860. The pa- 
ternal grandparents were John and Elizabeth 



490 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAriUCAL RKCORD. 



Kindle. Eliiia Derrj- was bom in Perry County, 
and was the daughter of James and Nancy Derry. 

The father of our subject spent his entire life 
in fanning in Mardin and Auglaize Counties, 
with the exception of the time spent in defense 
of his country. He enlisted in 1861 in Company 
H, Forty -fifth Ohio Infantry, under the command 
of Colonel Hliss, and .served his country faithfully 
and well tor three years and six months. He was 
present at the battle of Shiloh, which was the 
only conflict which he witnessed. For one year 
he was in attendance at a hospital, then held the 
position of cook for a year, and later was on guard 
duty around headquarters. He suffered untold 
hardships during those three years, and as a con- 
sequence has now lost the u.se of his right arm 
from rheumatism can.sed by exposure while on 
the battlefield. 

Our subject was reared in Auglaize County and 
attended school at New Hampshire until eighteen 
years of age. Three years later he began in 
life for himself, his first work being to iiaul logs 
for James Moore. Four months later he returned 
to the old homestead and lived there for the two 
years following, when he hired out to John Stem- 
pie, of Allen County. His next employment was 
in the oil refinery at Lima, but after eighteen 
months there he engaged to work in a quarry five 
miles from that city. Nine montlis later young 
Kindle returned home, and for two years hired 
out to his father, aiding in carrying on the home 
place. 

In April, 1S94, .Mr. Kiiullc moxed upon liis 
present place, operating the farm for J. L. Stem- 
pie, whose home is in Allen County. The lady 
to whom our subject was married in 1888 was 
Miss Knnna Morris, the daughter of Thomas and 
Mary ( Hasle ) Morris. Her parents were united 
in marriage in Auglaize County in 1870. Her 
father, who was born in Shelby County about 
1S48, was in the Union .service for six months 
during the Civil War. He was in turn the son 
of Moffit Morris, whose birth occurreil in Aug- 
laize County in 1802. Although advanced in 
years, he is still living, making his home in Shel- 
by County. Mary Hasle was l>orn in Lima, Ohio, 
in 1849, and was the daughter of Jo.seph Basle, a 



native of Ohio. She became the mother of nine 
children, namely: lunma, Gertrude, Elizabeth, 
Alice, lulna, Martha, ,Stella, Harley and one who 
died unnamed. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Kindle there has been grant- 
ed a family of three children, Bertha, Louis and 
Ralph. In jiolitics our subject is a .stanch Re- 
publican and greatly interested in the .success of 
his party. He is greatly respected in his neigh- 
borhood as a peaceable, law-abiding citizen and 
a practical farmer. 



(TOHN CAMPBELL, deceased, was for nearly 
I a quarter of a century inimbered among the 
C2/ enterprising farmers of Taylor Creek Town- 
ship, as in 1871 he became the owner of one hun- 
dred and sixty-eight acres here. The tract was 
covered with heavy limber, and no improvements 
had been made on the place. It now bears little 
resemblance to its former condition, as seventy- 
five acres have been cleared and many substantial 
buildings, fences, etc., have greatly increased its 
value. 

Mr. Campbell was tiorn in i,S2(\ in Ireland, be- 
ing one of nine children (three still living) born 
to John and Jane (Young) Campbell. The fam- 
ily cros-sed the Atlantic in a sailing-ve.ssel in 1828, 
and on arriving in the Ivmpire State went to live 
in Rochester, where the parents pas.sed the re- 
maimler of their lives. The father, a cooper by 
trade, was a verj' successful and hard-working 
man, providing well for his family, and was re- 
spected by all who knew him. He and his wife 
were members of the Reformed Presbyterian 
Church, and contributed liberally of their means 
to the support of worthy charities. Our subject 
learned the cooper's trade with his father, and re- 
ceived the advantages of a very good general ed- 
ucation. In I S40 his father bought four hundred 
acres of land in Logan County, and the same 
year John Cainpl>ell, Jr., went out to look after 
this iiropertv. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RliCORD. 



49' 



The union of Mr. Campbell and Mary A. Lo- 
gan was celebrated in York, Livingston County, 
N. v., May 27. 1M52, and soon after that event 
tile young couple took up their residence in 
IIunts\ille, Logan County. There they contin- 
ued to dwell for the next twelve years, during 
which time Mr. Campbell worked industriously 
at his trade, being in partnership with one of his 
brothers. Mrs. Campbell was born September 
29, 1832, in Ireland, and was a daughter of James 
and Mary (McNeil) Logan. They came to the 
New World in 1847, ^"<i for a few years Mr. Lo- 
gan rented a farm near York, N. Y., and subse- 
quently l)0ught a good place, which he cultivated 
until his death. His eldest son, Thomas, mar- 
ried Catherine Logan, and is a resident of Logan 
County, Ohio; James, the next younger, formerly 
a resident of the Ivnpire State, married Eliza J. 
Gray, and both are now deceased; Margaret, the 
wife of Frank Shainion, resides in Peoria, N. Y. ; 
Agnes, Mrs. John Montgomery, lives in Roches- 
ter, N. Y.; William, who married Isabella Mc- 
Cracken, died in York, N. Y,; and Rachael, the 
youngest of the famih', li\'cs in Rochester, N. Y. 

Eleven children graced the unitju of John 
Campbell ami his wife. James Thomas, born 
on the i6th of Jul\-, 1S53, has always lived 
at home; John A., liorn April 8, 1836, mar- 
ried Mamie Wanamaker, ot Ada, who was born 
in April, 1S69; William A., born .\])ril i^ 
1858, married Maggie King, and lives in Ken- 
ton; Mary J., Ijorn Marcli 1, i.S6(i, died in .Sep- 
tember, 1882; Emerson ,S., born April 29, 1S62, 
died in 1872; Edwin, born .\ovember 28, 1864, 
married Carrie V. Baldwin, and lives at Benton 
Ridge, Ohio; Franklin, born September 20, 
1866, died at the age of sixteen years; Rebecca 
and Ida, twins, born July 13, 1868, are both de- 
ceased; Corina A., born Jamiary 19, 187 1, died 
in infancy; and Charles H., whose birth occurred 
P'ebruary 5, 1875, died when in his fourth year. 

In August, 1862, Mr. Campbell enlisted at 
Iluntsville in Company I, Ninety-sixth Ohio In- 
fantrs", and was made a Corporal. He was .sent 
first to Cincinnati, thence to Covington and 
through Kentucky, taking part in several battles 
and skirmishes. Near Jack.son, Miss., he re- 



ceived a sun.stroke and was in the ho.spital for 
sometime. Afterward he had pneumonia, from 
the effects of which he came \ery near dying. 
Near New Orleans he was .shot tlirough both 
thighs, and was taken to the hos])ital in the Cres- 
cent City and in April, 1S64, was discharged for 
disability and returned home. I''or nearly a year 
he was unable to engage in au)' active work, his 
health being in a very shattered condition. He 
later tried to work at his trade, but being obliged 
to give it up, mo\ed to a farm near Kenton, 
where he made his home for six years, and in 
1 87 1 settled in this township. In politics he was 
always identified with the Republican party. 



QlvNToN K. JONES, M. I)., is one of the 
10 niost ]ir(jniinent physicians of this section, 
L^ and is at present living in Kenton. He was 
born near Dunkirk, in Blanchard Townshi]-), this 
county, M:irch 2, i.S.s!^- His father, John M. 
Jones, is also a native of this state, his birth oc- 
curring in Knox Countjinthe year 1832. He is 
now living in comfort on a fine farm located be- 
tween Dunkirk .-nul l'"oresl. His father, the 
grandfatlier of our snl)jecl, Itore the name of John 
Jones, and his birth occurred in Pennsylvania in 
i.Soo. He came to this state with his parents 
when a boy, and, locating on unimjiroved farming 
land, was there reared to man's estate. 

Our subject had .several uncles who served in 
the late war, one of whom, Abner, was taken 
captive an<l died while confined in a rebel pri.son. 
Christopher, who held a connnission in his regi- 
ment, is now living in this county on a farm sev- 
en nules north of Kenton. George, who was also 
an officer in the Union army, makes his home in 
Indiana. Charles is farming on land three miles 
north of this city. Andrew was formerly engaged 
in the hardware business, but at the present time 
is also following the life of an agriculturist, on 
property located four miles from Dunkirk. 

The maiden name ol our subject's mother was 



492 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Elizabeth Marinda Gillen, a native of New Jer- 
sey and of Irish-Scotch descent. Her parents 
made the trip to Ohio in 1852, at once locating in 
this part of Hardin Connty, where Mr Gillen 
purchased a tract of land and prepared to make 
his permanent home. He was a very wealthy 
man, and as his business affairs were not entirely 
settled in New Jersey, he returned to that state, 
after making his family comfortable in their new 
home, and was never afterward heard from. 
The brothers of Mrs. Jones were George W., 
who fought as a soldier in the Civil War, and is 
now living in this county; John, residing near 
Dunkirk; and Charles, formerly one of the Com- 
missioners of Clarke County, this state, who died 
at Springfield in 1893. 

To John M. and Elizabeth Jones were born six 
.sons and two daughters, of whom our subject was 
the eldest but one. Of these, Sarah C. is de- 
ceased; Ed E. is a resident of Kenton; Ella J., 
the twin of Ed E., is the wife of Dr. W. I). Barn- 
hill; Christopher is at home with his father; Odell 
U. is reading medicine under the instruction of 
our subject; Adelbert M., the twin of the former, 
is living in Kenton; and John M., Jr., is living on 
the home farm. 

The early years of our subject were spent on 
the home farm in much the same manner as those 
of other farmer boys. After pursuing his studies 
for several years in the district school, he was sent 
to Kenton, at the age of seventeen, and for one 
year was a student in the schools of that city. 
Later, however, he entered the Ohio Normal 
l^niversity at Ada, and after leaving that institu- 
tion taught .several terms of school. It being his 
desire and ambition to become a physician, he be 
gan reading medicine about this time in the office 
of Dr. Gemniill, of Forest, and wlien ready to at- 
tend lectures became a student in the Eclectic 
Medical In.slitute of Cincinnati, from which he 
was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Med- 
icine in Januarj-, 1889. The next month he locat- 
ed for practice in Kenton, where he soon became 
prominent among the skillful pliysicians, and 
built up a large and lucrative practice. In 1891 
he was chosen and elected Coroner of Hardin 
County, and on the expiration of liis term was 



re-elected to the same position on the Republican 

ticket. The Doctor is a member of the Ohio Med- 
ical Society, of which he was Secretary in 1893, 
and also belongs to the Northwestern Medical 
Association, which he has .served acceptably as 
President. He stands very high among the learn- 
ed and .skillful ]>hysiciansof this section, and has 
been chosen by several insurance companies as 
their Medical Examiner. Socially he is an Odd 
Fellow, and is also a member of the I'niformed 
Rank of the Knights of Pythias. 

Dr. B. K. Jones and Miss Alice Frederick were 
married May 3 , 1883. Mrs. Jones was born in 
Hardin County, to W'illiam and Sarah A. Fred- 
erick, prominent farmers of this county. By her 
union with our subject there have been born three 
children: William Clay, a lad of ten years; Maude, 
eight years old: and Paul, who is three months 
old. 



(^ 



.:ai3!ll^, 



:£) 



kTT 



m^ 



^ 



Ni:XRY E. DICKINSON, well known in 
Hardin County as an energetic, pushing 
young business man, is the present Cashier 
of the Mt. Victory Bank, the duties of which of- 
fice he assumed in February, 1S92. In partner- 
ship with W. I. Witcraft, he organized the bank 
in 1890. They own and occupy a good brick 
building and are among the leading business men 
of the place. It is therefore with pleasure that 
we give this record of his life and tribute to his 
worth a place in the history of the jiromincnl men 
of the county. 

Our subject was born July 16, 1857, '" Logan 
County, Ohio, and was the fourth son of the par- 
ental family. His parents were Louis and Mar>- 
Ann (Beck ) Dickin.son. Of their household two 
died in infancy; Joshua N. is engaged in the 
wholesale medicine bu.siness at Howland, Neb.; 
Adelia is the wifeof J. M. Keller, of Bellefontaine, 
Ohio, who is engaged in the insurance business; 
Margaret married W. S. Musslenian, who is a 
traveling salesman for the Mansfield Buggy Com- 



PORTRAIT AM) RIOCIJAPHK'AL RECORD. 



493 



paiiy; vSt. I<eK<--r is a faruR-r in ()klalinma; Min- 
nie is Icachinj; Latin in tlic Normal School at 
Ada, this statu; Mlla is a tfachcr in tin- schools of 
Rnshs>l\ania, Ohio, and also is a innsic instruct- 
or; and Rol)ert L. is farming on the old homestead 
in I<ogan County. 

The father of our subject was horn in LoL;an 
Count_\' near the city of Zanesfield. There he was 
reared and spent his entire life, dying wlien about 
si.\t>- years old. He was succe.ssful in business, 
and as a genial, Jovial gentleman enjo\-ed the 
highe.st regard not only of his own innnediate 
circle of friends, but also of the residents of the 
township and conut>-. He was very liberal in his 
gifts to worth\' causes, and in religious affairs was 
a valued niendjer of the Methodist I<"piscopal 
Church. His parents were nati\-es of X'irginia, 
whence they came to Ohio, being among the \ery 
ilrst to locate in Logan Count}'. The In<lians at 
that time were very troublesome, and on one oc- 
casion burned the dwellings of the iiioneers, 
among them being the home of the gr.'nulparents 
ofMr. Dickinson. They were Hiiakers and made 
friends of all whom the>- met. 

The mother of (lur subject was also born in Lo- 
gan County, and there died at the age of twenty- 
nine \ears. She, too, was a mend)er of the Meth- 
otlist Church, and w.is an acti\'e and valued work- 
er in the same. Her father served as a soldier 
in the War of iSi j. 

Henry Iv. l)ickinso)i ]).assed his early lil'e ujion 
the farm, attending the common schools in the 
neighborhood of his home, alter which he took a 
business course at the Delaware College. Vnv 
some time he taught a clistrict school, and was 
then engaged to give instruction in business 
branches in the college at Morrill, Kan. After 
resigning his position there, he farmed I'or about 
four years in that state, after which he returned 
to his native state and established himself in the 
ini]>Iement business at Bellefontaine. One year 
later, however, we find him engaged in the hard- 
ware anil iniplenu'iit business in Mt. Victory, 
where he formed a partnership with T. M. Wal- 
lace. The latter gives his attention to carrying 
on the store, while Mr. Dickinson is engaged in 
the bank. The latter is a reliable institution and 



is recei\'ing a large patronage iVom IIk' business 
men and farmers of this locality . Mr. Dickinson 
and his partner, Mv. Witcraft, are also largely in- 
terested in real estate at Mt. X'ictorw They re- 
cently made an addition to the eit\-, and the lots 
are selling rapidl\- at reasonable ]H"iecs. 

The laily to whom our subject w.as married, 
March 5, i.S,s.|, was Miss Lizzie Amanda Wal- 
lace. 'I'o them Were born three ihildri.n, name- 
ly; Louis, now deceased; Mar\'rwila and John 
.\. Ml'. Dickin.son is a stani'li Ueiuililican in 
politics, and for some time i)ast has been a mem- 
l)er of the Roard of lulucation, a position which 
he has creditablv filled. He is a man of broad 
and liberal ideas, and does all that lies in his pow- 
er to upbuild his comnuniity an<l uphold the best 
interests ol his many iriends and neighbors. So- 
ci.ally he is a member of Mt. \'ii,tor\- Lodge No. 
693, L (). O. 1'.. and belongs to Diamond Lodge, 
K. of P., ol' Ridgcway. With his wife he is a 
mend)er of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
is first in all good works ;uid ever reads' to lend a 
helping hand to the i)oor and needy. 



R1':V. Z. li. CA^^'liI■■.LL has been pastor of 
the I're.sbyterian Chinch of Ada, Ohio, fiir 
the past si.xteen \ears, during which lime 
the membershi]) ol' the congregation has advanced 
from about fifty to three hundred and .sixty. Un- 
told good is being done hereby priest and people, 
who work in perfect harmony and united effort 
to promote the Master's cause. 

The beautifiil church edifice, which was erected 
at a cost of not far from $20,000, is one of the 
finest of the kind in the state for a town of this 
size. The credit of it is due largely to Mr. Camp- 
bell, who is an unusually good financier, and who 
carried the work llirongh from beginning to end, 
in spite of all the opposition on the part of those 
who were afraid that the church could not afford 
tobuild a new house of worship, (ioing to Hon. 
Calvin S. l?rice, of Lima, a personal friend of his, 



49"4 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Mr. Campbell stated that they wanted to have a 
new church at Ada, and asked him to give $500 
toward it, which he did. Next, going toCohmi- 
bus, Mr. Campbell persuaded nearly every mem- 
ber of the Legislature and Governor Campbell 
and Major McKinley to give liberally to this 
worthy cause. Thus the new temple of God was 
put up without calling too heavily upon the re- 
sources of Ada's citizens. 

James Campbell, grandfather of our subject, 
was of Scotch-Irish descent, and his wife was a 
Miss Gillespie, a relative of James G. Blaine. 
Z. B. Campbell, vSr., was a native of Stark Coun- 
ty, Ohio, born in 1819. For years he followed 
the tanner's trade, but is now living a retired life 
at Shreve, Ohio. He married Lydia A. Wyly, 
of Pennsylvania birth. Her Hither, Jacob Wyly, 
a man of some note in his day, wedded a fair 
Quakeress. George L., a brother of Mrs. Lydia 
Campbell, is a prominent attorney at Waynes- 
burg, Pa., and another brother, Rev. Jacob, is a 
retired Baptist minister, now of Granville, Ohio, 
and a veteran of the late Civil War. 

Rev. Mr. Campbell is one of eight children, 
six of whom grew to maturity. Maria M. lives 
with her father; G. P. is a leading physician of 
Fulton County, Ohio; Jennie is thewifeofj. R. 
Wachtel, a dry-goods merchant at Shreve, Ohio; 
and L. W., a practicing physician of Ada, is 
a graduate of Rush Medical College, and was 
formerly a member of the Pension Board. Dr. 
G. P. is a strong Democrat, and went to St. Louis 
as a delegate to the convention held there in 1888. 
He was appointed Trustee of the Toledo Insane 
Asylum by Governor Campbell, and was twice 
re-appointed by Governor McKinley. 

The birth of Z. B. Campbell took place in 
Waynesburg, Pa., November 25, 1849. When 
he was about three years old he came to Ohio 
with his parents, who fir.st .settled at Congress, 
Wayne County, and later went to vShreve, where 
the father ran a tannery. Our sul>ject received 
his primary education in the public schools. 
After pursuing his studies for a time at Vermill- 
ion Institute, in Hayesville, Ohio, he taught a 
country school, and later a .select school at 
Shreve. Sub.sequeutly he was chosen Superin- 



tendent of schools at Belleville, and for a period 
of four years was County Examiner of Wayne 
County. In 1870 he entered Wooster College, 
graduating therefrom in 1875. In 1879 he was 
duly graduated from Princeton (N. J.) Theolog- 
ical Seminary, upon comi)leting the prescribed 
course of three years. 

The first ministerial work of Mr. Campbell was 
in the church with which he has ever since been 
identified. It was in February, 1880, that he as- 
sumed the charge, with its half a hundred mem- 
bers, who at that time worshiped in the small 
frame church. Among his present member.ship 
there are thirteen young men who are fitting 
themselves for the mini.stry. He is a member of 
the Board of Trustees of Wooster University, 
holds a similar position with the Normal Indus- 
trial department of Wilberforce University (hav- 
ing been appointed thereto by Governor McKin- 
le\-), is Chairman of the Board of Home Mi.ssions 
of the Lima Presbytery, and is also a member of 
the State Board of Missions. In 1892 the Ohio 
University of Athens conferred upon him the de- 
gree of Doctor of Divinity. His discourses are 
clear and show deep thought, while his impress- 
ivene.ss and earnestness of purpose breathe through 
his everj- utterance. 

Few ministers can take the practical and evi- 
dent interest in politics that Mr. Campbell does 
and not .suffer in the esteem of his fellows. How- 
ever, it is certainly the duty of each citizen to 
strive in every possible way to advance his coun- 
try's welfare, and there is no more effective place 
to do this than the ballot. Mr. Campbell is a very 
influential man in all the circles of high repute, 
and if his friends desire to receive any public 
benefit from state, general government or railroad 
corporation, they appeal to him to do what he can 
in the matter, and rarelj- does he fail to accom- 
plish his mission. He is a stockholder and Di- 
rector in the Metropolitan Bank of Lima, Ohio. 
In 1893 he was present at the Scotch-Irish Con- 
vention held at Springfield. 

June 23, 1 88 1, the marriage of Mr. Campbell 
and Anna Barrington, of St. Mary's, Ohio, was 
celebrated. The lady's father, Thomas Barring- 
ton, of the noted family of that name ui Ireland 




WII, 1,1AM IlKOCKI.ICSIiV. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



497 



came to America in 1847, ^"d has been for more 
than thirt}- years connected with the pubHc works 
in St. Mary's. He was a member of the Board of 
EtUication for twenty years, and lias been a Dea- 
con in the Baptist Chiircli for forty years. His 
wife was of EngHsh descent, and two of her 
uncles were Epi.scopal ministers. She is one of 
.seven children. Thomas and Richard are busi- 
ness men of St. Mar\'s; John is a railroad man; 
Mary E. is the wife of Justin Brewer, President 
of the Ada Bank; Edward is in business in Green- 
ville, Miss. ; and Kate is now with her brother in 
the latter state. 

Mrs. Campbell, who is a ,e;raduate of St. Mary's 
High School, was also a student in the Ohio 
Normal, and for several years taught school suc- 
cessfully, asdidboth hersisters. For several years 
she was Principal of St. Mary's High School. 
vShe is a great worker in the church and is an 
especial favorite with ihe young people. The 
plea.sant parsonage is brightened by the presence 
of two children, I^illie Bess and Mark Barrington. 



injJAM T. BROCKLESBY is one of the 
representative men of Marion County, and 
until recently was one of her progressive 
agriculturists. For the past five years he has 
been living a retired life in his pleasant home in 
Caledonia, in the enjoyment of a rest and freedom 
from anxietj' which he well deserves. He pos- 
sesses quite an extensive property, about four 
hundred acres being farm land, in addition to 
which he owns a fine business block in this place, 
besides residence property. He is now Secretary 
of the large estate of William Thew, and has set- 
tled a great many other estates. In religious, 
fraternal and .social circles lie occupies an envi- 
able place, and possesses the confidence of his 
fellow-citizens. 

William Brocklesby, the father of our subject, 
was born in Lincolnshire, England, and in his 
youth learned the carriage and wagon maker's 



trade. He crossed the Atlantic in June, 1843, 
and continued his trip to Sandusky, Ohio, from 
which cit)' he drove to Marion County, and pur- 
chased land in Claridon Township. There he 
continued to work at his trade and to engage in 
farming until his death, which occurred June 30, 
1876, at the age of seventy-one years. In polit- 
ical faith he was a Republican. His wife bore 
the maiden name of Emma Thew, and Lincoln- 
shire, England, was also the place of her birth. 
She died a short time after coming to this coun- 
ty, leaving five children. Both she and her 
husband were active members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

William T. Brocklesby, the eldest of his fa- 
.ther's famih", was born December 30, 1833, in 
Lincolnshire, England, and was about nine years 
of age when he emigrated to the United States. 
His mother's death occurring soon afterward, 
he made his home with his uncle, William Thew, 
until he was of age. He then rented that gentle- 
man's farm for some years, and at length was en- 
abled to buy a tract of two hundred acres adjoin- 
ing the homestead. This farm he continued to 
cultivate until 1890, when his sons undertook its 
management. 

Robert, the eldest brother of our subject, is a 
resident of Morrow County, Ohio, and his young- 
est brother, John, died at Nashville, Tenn., from 
the effects of wounds received in the late war. 
Bettie T., his elder sister, died at the age of 
twenty years; and Mary M., the youngest of the 
family, died in childhood. 

January i, 1857, our subject married Abigail 
Curtis, of Richland County, Ohio, and eight chil- 
dren were the result of their union, namely: 
William T., Jr., who died at the age of seventeen 
years; Joseph C; Emma E., Mrs. H. F. Thomas, 
of Allen County, Ohio; John B., who, with his 
elder brother, is farming on the old homestead; 
Charles Y., who died at the age of nine years; 
Mary O., whose death occurred at the age of 
two years; Ella A., now attending school and 
living at home; and one who died in infancy. 

Politically a Republican, Mr. Brocklesby has 
always taken quite an active part in local affairs. 
He was Township Trustee for eight years, and 



498 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RPXORD. 



was a candidate for County Commissioner at one 
time, but was defeated. Fraternally he belongs 
to Lodge No. 299, I. O. O. F., of Caledonia, 
and is its Secretarj- at present. In the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church he and his family are active 
workers. For thirty years Mr. Brocklesby has 
been a Cla.ss-Leader, and for a like period of 
time Sunday-school Superintendent; for some 
twenty-four years he was Recording Steward, and 
for a great many years he has also been one 
of the Trustees. 



l®). ^A4 ^(SJ 



I II. LI AM S. STROUPE, Station Agent for 
Ihc Pittsburg & Ft. Wayne Railway at 
Dunkirk, Hardin County, has faithfully 
served this company, in one capacity or another, 
for nineteen years. Nine years have passed .since 
he was put in charge of affairs here, and besides 
standing well with tlie company he is one of the 
most popular officials of the road. 

Our subject is one of eight children born to 
William and Margaret (Rankin) Stroupe, both 
natives of Madison County, Ohio. The former 
was a prominent merchant of Midway, and under 
President Buchanan was Po.stmaster of that place. 
The Stroupe and Rankin families were pioneers 
of Madison County, and were identified with its 
welfare from an early day. William Stroupe died 
in 1883, and his wife was called to her final rest 
about ten years previous. Their children are as 
follows: James, a well-to-do farmer of Madison 
County; Fannie, who married Will McEwen, of 
Columbiana County, Ohio, and died leaving two 
children; John M., a merchant at Midway, Ohio; 
Joshua T. , agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad 
at Hobart, Ind.; liva, Mrs. Charles Cook, of 
Chicago; Carrie M., Mrs. John Dupes, of Cin- 
cinnati; Harry L., train dispatcher for the Cin- 
cinnati, Portsmouth & \'irginia Railroad at Cin- 
cinnati; and our subject. 



W. S. Stroupe was born in Midway, Ohio, De- 
cember 15, 1855, and was educated in the public 
schools of that place and in those of London, 
Ohio, and Ada. While yet a mere youth, he 
learned the art of telegraphy in the office of the 
Pennsylvania Railroad at Ada, and was success- 
ively stationed at Forest, Upper Sandusky, and 
Convoy, in Van Wert Comity, being agent at 
the last point nine years. At the expiration of 
that time, as we have stated before, he came to 
Dunkirk, where he has been ever since. 

Fraternally, Mr. Stroupe is an enthusiastic 
member of the Ma.sonic order, having been made 
a member of the local lodge soon after locating in 
Dunkirk. From time to time he has been called 
upon to fill leading positions in that honorable 
body, having been Junior Warden, and is now 
serving his second term as Senior Warden. One 
of the charter members of Dunkirk Lodge, K. of 
P., he has always taken great interest in its pros- 
perity, and has just retired from the Chancellor's 
chair. In politics he is a Democrat, and though 
not desirous of public office, has held that of 
Township Clerk two terms, besides serving on 
the Board of ICducatioii. 

The marriage of Mr. Stroupe was celebrated in 
1876, the lady of his choice being Emma Nye, of 
Ada, Ohio. They have six children: Willie E. , 
Emma P., Harry R., Doiinie C, Eddie N. and 
F'reddie W. Mr. Stroupe is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and does his share 
toward its advancement in all directions. 



Gl P^ CIIIvNEV. Probably no man in Marion 
r I is better known or more public-spirited than 
/ I thegeiitleman whose name opens this sketch, 
and who now occupies the important position of 
secretary and general manager of the sales de- 
partment of the Marion Steam Shovel Company. 
He was born on a farm in Orleans County, Vt., 
near the city of Brownington, July 2, 1858. His 
father. John Cheney, is a native of the same coun- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RFX'ORD. 



499 



ty, where he is regarded as one of the well-to- 
do fanners. His wife was Mary Jane (Lyman) 
Chene\-, who was born in Sonth Manchester, 
Conn. She was accidental!}' killed when our 
snhject was a lad of si.xteen years. His younger 
brother. George A., is a traveling salesman for 
the Marion Steam Shovel Company, and also 
makes his home in Marion. 

Our subject spent his early life on the home 
farm in the Green Mountain State, and at the age 
of seventeen had completed his education in 
Derby Seminary. About that time he went to 
Keene, N. H., where he ubtained a position as 
fireman on a steam shovel for the Manchester & 
Keene Railroad. He followed this occupation 
for the next ten years, during which time lie not 
onl}- performed his duties in a satisfactory man- 
ner, but also made a close study of the manu- 
facture of steam shovels, and soon became an ex- 
pert in that line. 

Mr. Cheney came West to this state about 
i.SSS, and when an opportunity presented itself, 
which it did very .soon afterwards, made an ex- 
amination of the steam shovel manufactured and 
iii\ented b\- H. M. Bandiart. He at once saw 
the sujieriority of this machine over all others, 
anil, being an expert in this line, had no diffi- 
cuU>- in obtaining employment with the Marion 
vSteam ,Shovel Company, who were handling this 
article. He obtained the consent of the company 
t<i take one of the shovels to New Hampshire 
and \'ermont, where it was given a trial on one 
of the roads being built through the mountains. 
Its success was at once assured, and thecompany, 
finding that they had a valuable man, made ar- 
rangements for him to continue in their employ 
as traveling salesman. In this capacity he 
broui^ht them in nuich Ijusine.ss, and so greatly 
in demand were his services that he was made 
one of the stockholders in the business. After 
two years he became general manager of the 
sales department, with offices in Marion. The 
following year he was elected one of the Directors 
of the company, and as such is proving himself 
very useful in extending the lines of the business. 
He was one of the original stockholders of the 
Marion Tool Company, with which he is still 



connected, and is Secretary of the company. He 
pavs close attention to the various enterprises in 
■which he is interested, and on this account is one 
of the most successful business men of Marion. 

Mr. Cheney was married, December 3 i , 18S4, 
to Mi.ss Kittie E. Atwood, of Rockford, 111., who 
is the daughter of David Atwood, a wealthy retired 
farmer living in that citw To our subject and 
his wife has been born a daughter, Ada Pearl, 
now nine years old. 

In his political belief Mr. Cheney is firm in 
his adherence to the principles of the Republican 
party, which he is ever ready to support with his 
influence and ballot, and is a Knight Templar of 
prominence in this city. 






gFX)RGE \V. SIMPSON. No better repre- 
sentative of honest, upright manhood can 
be found than the above-named gentleman, 
who is the efficient and obliging agent of the 
Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad Company at 
Kenton. He is a native of tliis .state, and was 
born at Belle Center, April 6, 1864, to Wilson W. 
and Mary U. (JefFers) Simpson. His father and 
mother were natives of Pennsylvania, the former 
becoming one of the early .settlers of Logan 
County, Ohio. He served as a Union soldier in 
the Ci\-il War, and his death, which occurred 
soon afterward, was the result of a disease con- 
tracted while in the service. His wife departed 
this life at Belle Center, in 1882. They were the 
parents of two sons, of whom George W. was 
the younger. J. L. is a resident of this city, and 
is connected at present with the Champion Iron 
Works. 

Our subject is a well educated gentleman, and 
was graduated when nineteen years of age from 
the high school at Belle Center. After complet- 
ing his studies he obtained a position with the In- 
diana, Bloomington & Western Railroad Compa- 
ny as their agent at Belle Center. Like many of 
the young men at that time, he had the western 



500 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



fever, and, going to Texas, Colorado and Mon- 
tana, was engaged in railroading for five years. 
Returning to the Buckeye State at the expiration 
of that time, he accepted a position as agent for 
the Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railroad 
Company, now the Big Four, at Kenton. When 
that division was consolidated with the Big Four 
he resigned his position, and, going to Springfield, 
was employed by the same company as ticket 
agent. In 1893, however, he came to Kenton as 
agent for the company by whom he is employed 
at the pre.sent time. He is ably filling the posi- 
tion, as his general fitness for the office and his 
agreeable and pleasant manners make him a fa- 
vorite among the residents of this city. 

Mr. Simpson was married, March 19, 1895, to 
Mi.ss Maud K., daughter of Capt. C. B. Gib- 
son, an old and well known resident of Kenton. 
In politics our subject is a true-blue Republican, 
and socially is a Mason of high standing. 



'^ 






G)AMIT:L PFIvIFFKR. The family of which 
/\ this gentleman is an honored representative 
V*y has been long and intimately associated with 
the history of Hardin County, and has been es- 
pecially prominent in its agricultural affairs. The 
family hi.story is given in full upon another page 
of this volume, in the biographical sketch of John 
George Pfeiffer, his father. 

The farm owned and operated Ijy our subject is 
situated on section 28, Go.shen Township, and 
consi.sts Of two hundred and twenty-four acres of 
valuable land. A portion of his present posses- 
sions was given him by his father, while the re- 
mainder has been .secured through his personal 
exertions. Good buildings have been erected 
upon the place, substantial fences have been built 
dividing the farm into fields of convenient size, 
and modern machinery has been introduced. In 
addition to the raising of cereals, he has engaged 



to some extent in the breeding of fine stock, and 
owns a number of thoroughbred Clydesdale mares, 
graded Norman horses, thoroughbred Shorthorn 
cattle and Poland-China hogs. He also has a 
thoroughbred Clydesdale stallion. 

A native of Goshen Township, Mr. Pfeiffer was 
born June i, 1850. In this locality his child- 
hood \earswere uneventfully pas.sed, his time be- 
ing alternated between attendance at school and 
work on the farm. Karly trained to agricultural 
pursuits, he chose fanning for his life work, and 
to this his entire attention has been given. Upon 
attaining his majority he lea.sed a tract of land 
from his father, and engaged in its cultivation for 
a short time. He then went to Keokuk County, 
Iowa, partly for the purpo.se of selecting a desira- 
ble location, and remained there from the fall of 
1 87 1 until the .spring of 1872, meantime working 
on a farm for his uncle. However, he .soon re- 
turned to Ohio, content to establish his perma- 
nent home here. For four years he rented a por- 
tion of his father's farm, after which he bought 
forty acres and his father gave him an additional 
tract of one hundred and four acres. Since then 
he has bought eighty acres, making altogether 
two hundred and twenty-four acres. 

February 28, 1878, occurred the marriage of 
Mr. Pfeiffer and Miss Laura Ann Coats, a native 
of Hardin County, and a daughter of Jo.seph R. 
and Rebecca J. (Cro.ss) Coats, well known resi- 
dents of Go.shen Township. Kight children were 
born unto our subject and his wife, namely: Ul- 
rich J., now a .student in the high .school of Ken- 
ton; Frederick E. ; Michael G.; Lillie Jane; Callie 
M., who died at the age of three years; Maggie 
L. : Fronie and Millie ^L The surviving children 
make their home with their parents, inider who.se 
supervision they are being trained for useful posi- 
tions in the social and business world. They 
have been given excellent educational advant- 
ages, and are bright and intelligent. 

In national affairs Mr. Pfeiffer is a Democrat, 
but in local matters exercises his franchi.se in 
favor of tho.se candidates whom he believes will 
best represent the people, irrespective of party 
ties. His fellow-citizens have frequently chosen 
him to occupy positions of trust and responsibil- 



PORTRAIT AND lUOGRAPMICAL RECORD. 



503 



ity, and he has been Assessor, also Trustee for 
three terms. He is interested in educational mat- 
ters, and during his ,ser\-ice of eight 5'ears as a 
member of the School Board has been instrumen- 
tal in advancing the interests of the .schools of the 
district. Socially he is connected with the 
Grange. Though not a member of any denomi- 
nation, he recognizes the truths of the Gospel and 
aids the churches by his contributions. 



<y;^.^.^.^^.{.^^4.4..i.4.^.«.4.^.I..}.^.^.^..i.».{.^.;X> 



3 AMES BASTABLK, a .successful financier 
and business man of Ada, Hardin County, 
occupies the responsible position of Cashier 
in the Ada Savings Bank. For over two decades 
he has been numbered among the leading citizens 
of the village, and in any enterpri.se or puljlic im- 
provement under consideration he is confidently 
relied upon to a.ssist in every way pos.sible. 

Thomas, father of James Bastable, was a na- 
tive of County Kerry, Ireland. When he arrived 
at mature years he came to America and followed 
his trade, that of shoemaking, in Philadelphia 
and Cincinnati. Subsequent!}', going to Craw- 
fordsville, Ind. , he ran a grocery for several years. 
His death took place in Ada in 1875. His good 
wife, formerly Ellen Glen, is a native of the Em- 
erald Isle, having been born in County Gahvay, 
and is now a resident of this town. 

Mr. Bastable of this sketch was born in Craw- 
fordsville, Ind., January 17, 1852. At the time 
of the family's removal to Ada he was but six 
years of age, and for a few years thereafter he at- 
tended the local .schools to some extent. When 
he was in his sixteenth year he began learning 
telegraphy, to which he devoted himself up to 
1873. The enterprising young man then decided 
to embark in business for himself, and opened a 
hardware store. From the start he met with suc- 
cess, and ere long accumulated a large fortune. 

In 1893 the old Ada Bank failed, and Mr. Bas- 
table became much interested in the formation of 



a new and more reliable one in its stead. Through 
his efforts the present institution was organized, 
and on account of Mr. Bastable' s being at the 
head of the concern it found favor with the pub- 
lic at once. The advance in the esteem of the 
citizens has since been steady and marked, for it 
is known that every tran.saction of the bank is 
strictly busine.ss-like and open to the .scrutiny of 
all. Mr. Bastable still retains his interest in his 
exten,sive hardware busine.ss, of which he has 
been the mainspring for many years. 

May II, 1883, Mr. Bastable married Harriet P., 
daughter of H. P. Gage, of Findlay, this state, 
and niece of the late General Robinson. Our 
subject and his wife have no children of their 
own, but have taken into their hearts and home 
a niece and a nephew, whom the}- are bringing 
up. They are named, respectively, Margaret and 
James. 

His right of franchise Mr. Bastable uses in 
favor of the Democratic party. He is open- 
hearted and liberal toward those in need of help, 
and is a friend to the cause of education. 



VAN Mcdowell jackson, who for 

'3 over a quarter of a century was one of the 
.^ influential farmers of Hardin County, is 
now living in Ada, retired from active work of 
any kind. He was born near Flemingsburg, 
Fleming County, Ky., April 9, 1828, and is the 
son of Thomas and Nancy (Jackson) Jackson, 
who were married near Flemingsburg about 1825. 
The father's birth occurred in Virginia, probably 
in Buckingham County, February 23, 1784. His 
father, who also bore the name of Thomas, moved 
from Virginia, which was also his native state, 
to Kentucky, when his son, the father of our sub- 
ject, was a child, making a location in Fleming 
County, on the banks of a creek of that name, 



504 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and there residing until his death, which occurred 
in 1842. He followed the vocation of a farmer 
in both the Old Dominion and Kentucky. He 
was married twice, his first union beinjr with a 
Miss Ross, who became the mother of Thomas, 
Jr., and on her death he chose for his wife Polly 
Porter. 

The father of our subject was reared and mar- 
ried in Fleming County, where all of his sons 
and daughters were born, and died there in 1848 
or 1849. He had two brothers who were with 
Hull on his campaign in Ohio. On one occasion, 
their provisions giving out, they were nearly- 
starved to death, and when help arrived one of 
them ate too much and died a few hours later. 

Nancy Jackson was the daughter of James and 
Polly Aim (McCall) Jackson. She and her twin 
sister Betsj' were the only children born to her 
parents. They were Virginians and emigrated 
from that state to Kentucky at the same time as 
did Thomas Jack.son, Sr. The trip was made 
down the Ohio River in a canoe, which was quite 
a popular way of traveling in the earlj' days. 
The mother of our subject, who was born in 
Fleming County, Ky., October 5, 18 10, there 
married and reared her family. She died in 
1840, after having become the mother often chil- 
dren, all of whom lived to mature years with 
one exception, and eight are married. Evan and 
Amanda, the latter of whom is now Mrs. Harris 
and lives in Ada, were the only members of the 
hou.sehold to come to Ohio. James B. and Sam- 
uel died in Kentucky in the years 1894 and 
1892, respectively. Elizabeth and Minerva still 
make their home in Kentucky. 

Our subject was reared on the old home place 
in the Blue Gra.ss State, and obtained his educa- 
tion in the subscription .schools of that section. 
The one which he attended was held in an old 
meeting-house and was three miles distant from 
his home, thus giving the lad plenty of exercise 
each day. His mother died when he was twelve 
years old, and from that age he has made his 
own way in the world. The faniil\- were scat- 
tered after this until the father married a second 
time, when livan returned home, although he 
still earned his own money. After the decease of 



his father, he continued to work in the neighbor- 
hood and lived with his stepniotlier until her 
demi.se. 

About 1853 young Jackson went to Logan 
County, Ohio, and remained in that section for 
.several years, making it a practice, however, to 
return to his native state at least once a j-ear in 
order to visit his relatives. On one of these trips 
he made the entire journey on horseback, a dis- 
tance of three hundred miles. The first train of 
cars which he remembers seeing was in 1852, 
when he was in the city of Cincinnati. 

Mr. Jackson was married at Bellefontaine, this 
state, in 1855, to Miss Delia Ann Sutton, and for 
a wedding trip the young couple went to Ken- 
tucky, journeying overland in a buggy. In No- 
vember, of that j-ear, they commenced housekeep- 
ing on section 36, on a forty-acre tract of land, 
on which had been erected a little log cabin and 
barn. A few apple trees had recently been set 
out, and one acre of the place was cleared. The 
family lived in this rude structure until the forty 
acres were thoroughly tilled, when they were 
enabled to occupy more commodious and com- 
fortable quarters. Mr. Jackson afterward added 
ten acres to his place, and some years later pur- 
chased another tract of forty acres. It is all 
splendidly improved, and on this place our sub- 
ject lived for twenty-five years. In December, 
1878, he moved with his family into Ada, where 
he had built a nice home in the southern portion 
of the city. 

Mrs. Jackson was born in Logan County, this 
-State, in Rush Creek Township, November 19, 
1830. She was the daughter of Jonathan and 
Rebecca (John.son) Sutton, who were born in 
Fleming County, Ky., in 1793, and were there 
married about 18 13. The former was the .son 
of George Sutton, a native of New Jersey, 
whence he removed to Kentucky, where he was 
the owner of a large plantation. He made his 
home in that state after the close of the Revolu- 
tionary War, in which conflict he fought. He 
was a wealthy man, and stood liii^li in the regard 
of all who knew him. 

When the parents of Mrs. Jackson removed 
from their native state to Ohio, the trip was made 



PORTRAIT AND BlOfiRAPIIICAL RECORD. 



on horseback, the mother carrying in her arms a 
babe eighteen months old. She was the daugh- 
ter of Peter and Deborah (Reed) Johnson. Her 
father was a native of New Jersey, and when 
ready to embark in life for himself, gathered to- 
gether his wardrobe, which he tied up in a red 
bandanna, and with twenty-five cents in money 
started forth to make his own way in the world. 
He succeeded in almost everything he undertook, 
and while in Kentucky was the owner of a large 
plantation and a number of slaves. He served 
as a soldier in the War of 1812, and departed 
this life in Octol)er, 1833. He reared a family 
of one son and five daughters. They were in 
order of their birth : Rebecca, L}dia, Anna, 
F'ainiie, Delia and John. 

To Jonathan and Rebecca Sutton there were 
born four sons and five ■ daughters. Of these, 
Peter was the eldest, then came Walter Warder, 
William Harvey, George Reed, Elizabeth Deb- 
orah, Melinda Jane, Lydia Ann, Delia Ann and 
Melita Jane. Peter died in De Witt County, 111., 
in 1885, aged seventy -two years; Walter W. de- 
parted this life in Logan County, Ohio, in Octo- 
ber, 1879, at the age of sixty-four years; Will- 
iam H. died when a child; George R. is a resi- 
dent of Washington Township, Hardin Countv, 
and is now seventy-three years of age; Elizabeth 
is the widow of L. D. Musselman, and makes 
her home in Logan County ; Melita is the widow 
of Martin McAdams, and her home is also in the 
above county; Lydia is the widow of Winfield 
Rudesill, of Logan County; and Melinda J. is the 
wife of Samuel Dickinson, whose home is in Ada. 

Jonathan Sutton luoved to Ohio about 1825, 
.settling first in Logan County, in which section 
his father-in-law had preceded him and entered 
laud for all his daughters. There the father of 
Mrs. Jackson built a sawmill on the banks of 
Rush Creek, and at the time of his decease it was 
in a very flourishing condition. His son then 
took charge of the mill, and aLso aided his uKjther 
in the management of the estate. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jack.son have never had children 
of their own, but have taken to their hearts and 
home three },oung people. They are Frank and 
Jennie Schreider and Clyde McElroy. The first- 



named is now living in Anderson, Ind., where 
he is engaged as a carpenter; Jennie married 
Harvey McElroy, and makes her home near 
Ada; and Cl\-de, who now bears the name of 
Jackson, lias lived with this worthy couple since 
two years of age. 

Our subject and his wife have been members 
of the Christian Church for the past forty-two 
years. In politics the former is a Republican, 
and on this ticket was elected to the City Coun- 
cil of Ada, .serving for a number of years. He 
has been School Director for over a quarter of a 
century, and is greatly interested in the cause of 
education. \\'hen living in Kentucky he was 
one of the ,Sons of Temperance, but of late j'ears 
has not kept up his membership. 



INFIELD S. WELLS, M. D., a talented 
and successful young ph\sician of Marion, 
is a native of I'ennsylvania, and was born 
in Greencastle, Franklin Comity, November 7, 
i86r. His father, Elden Wells, was a native of 
the same state and county, and came to Ohio aft- 
er the Ci\il War, in which conflict he served as a 
soldier. The date of his .settlement here was 
1865. He made his home in Tiffin for a year, 
and then went to Fostoria, near which city he 
owned large tracts of land. He is now living in 
that place, where he has been honored with many 
positions of honor and trust. 

John Wells, grandfather of our subject, was a 
native of the North of Ireland, but on the re- 
moval of the family to the United States came 
with them, remaining at home while his father 
fought in the War of 18 12. The mother of Dr. 
Wells of this .sketch was Susan B. Gossert before 
her marriage. She, too, was born in the Key- 
stone State, and was descended from a royal 
French famil>-. She had but one brother, Samuel 
D., a prominent new.spaper man of Morrison, 
Whiteside County, 111. 



So6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



The original of this sketch was about four 
years of age at the time the family came to Ohio, 
therefore he remembers verj- little of life in Penn- 
sylvania. He has been a great student all his 
life, and when twenty years of age was graduated 
from Fostoria Academy. He later attended the 
normal school at Valparaiso, Ind., after which 
he taught school in Hanimansburg, Wood Coun- 
ty, this state, for a year. He followed this voca- 
tion in various districts of that county, and in 
this way acquired the means to enable- him to 
perfect his medical education. In 1888 he became 
a .student in the Western Reserve Medical Col- 
lege of Cleveland, where he attended two courses 
of lectures, and afterward attended lectures at 
Rush Medical College of the World's Fair City, 
from which he was graduated March 25, 1890. 

When ready to connnence the practice of his 
profession, Dr. Wells located at Bowling Green, 
this state, but remained there only a short time 
when inducements were offered him to remove to 
Fostoria. This he did, and until January, 1892, 
had a large practice in that citj-. That year and 
month he came to Marion, where he at once took 
a place in the front rank of professional men. 
He is a man universally respected and honored, 
and bj' his professional .skill, excellent judgment 
and courteous bearing has won the confidence of 
a large circle of friends and well-wishers. The 
Doctor belongs to the Ohio Medical Society, the 
Marion County Medical Society (of which he was 
for two years Treasurer) and the North Central 
Ohio Medical Society. Socially he is a Knight 
of Pythias, and belongs to the Order of Foresters, 
the Sons of Veterans and the Tribe of Ben Hur. 

October 10, 1891, Dr. Wells was married to 
Miss Anna E. Swank, who was born near Youngs- 
town, Ohio, and is the daughter of Stephen L. 
Swank, formerly a prominent bu.siness man of 
Niles, Ohio, but now deceased. He was of Ger- 
man extraction, and came to Ohio from Pennsyl- 
vania many years ago. The mother of Mrs. 
Wells, Susan (Biekley) Swank, was born in this 
state, and died about six years ago. Mrs. Wells 
is a finely educated lady, and for .several years 
prior to her marriage taught school. She has one 
brother and one sister. Delama lives in Fremont, 



and Emma, widow of A. F. Kiser, makes her 
home in Fostoria. Dr. and Mrs. Wells are mem- 
bers of the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church 
of this city. Politically the Doctor is a Repub- 
lican. 



IILLIAM II. COONEY, who is regarded 
as one of the i)ractical and substantial 
farmers of Marion Township, Hardin 
County, is the owner of one hundred and sixty 
acres of land lying on section 2. He is a native 
of Champaign County, this state, his parents 
being A.sa and Nancy Ann (McCaulej-) Cooney, 
who were married in Union County, Ohio, in the 
.spring of 1825. 

Asa Cooney was born in 1795, in F'airfax Coun- 
ty, Va., and moved many years later to Ohio, 
first settling in Ross County. He afterward took 
up his abode in Champaign County, where his 
children were born. In the fall of 1841, how- 
ever, he purchased eighty acres in Marion Town- 
.ship, this county, lying on .section 12, and on 
this he engaged in farming luitil his death, which 
occurred October 9, 1876. As this was all the 
property he ever acquired, the success which has 
attended his sons and daughters has been the re- 
sult of their own efforts. 

The original of this sketch was born in Union 
Township, Champaign County, Ohio, June 11, 
1838. He obtained his education in the scliools 
of Marion Township, Hardin County, attending 
until twenty years of age. After this he engaged 
in farming with his father for .several years, and 
then made his first purchase of land, which con- 
sisted of a tract of sixty acres in Liberty Town- 
ship. This farm lie worked for about three years, 
when, having received a good offer for it, he sold 
out and became the owner of one hundred and 
twent}' acres, a part of his present homestead. 
To this he has since added forty acres, and has 
improved the whole in such a manner as to make 
of it one of the most productive estates in the 
county. He located on this farm in 1870, and 




j.\Mi;s IRV1NI-: 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



509 



may therefore be regarded as one of the old and 
worthy residents of Marion Townsliip, in whose 
progress and development he has been greatly 
interested. 

Mr. Cooney was married, February 22, 1866, 
at Kenton, to Mrs. Mary Emmons, who was born 
near Huntersville, in Marion Township. vShe 
was the daughter of James and Susan (Matthews) 
Nelson, both of whom were natives of this state. 
They became the parents of three children. Mun- 
geon, who married I^eonora Lamphrey, is a resi- 
dent of Washington Township, this county; 
Verda Belle died at the age of two years; and 
Nel.son lives with his father. The wife and 
mother passed away November 13, 1874. 

On the 6th of May, 1876, Mr. Cooney chose 
for his second companion Miss Ellen Gordon, 
whose birth occurred at Huntersville, November 
29, 1853. She was the daughter of George and 
Mary Aim (Gray) Gordon, whose marriage oc- 
curred at Kenton, August 28, 1850. They he- 
came the parents of four children, Ellen, Will- 
iam, Mary and Clarissa. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Coonej- there have been born two children, Metel- 
lus and Mill}-. 

Mrs. Cooney is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church of Huntersville. In politics 
our subject is a Democrat, having voted that 
ticket since reaching his majority. Although 
elected to the office of Township Trustee, he re- 
fused to qualify'. During the late war he was a 
soldier in the ranks of the Union army, serving 
for one year. 



C^ 



ez- 






-o, 



=^ 



3 AMES IRVINE. Marion County is a rich 
agricultural center, and the men who con- 
duct its farming interests are enterprising, 
self-reliant and shrewd bu.siness men. Among 
these Mr. Irving occupies an influential position, 
being the owner of a finely improved estate on 
section 33, Salt Rock Township. He is a native 



of Ireland, and was born in County Donegal, De- 
cember 29, 1847, being the ne.xt to the eldest in 
a family that consisted of si.x sons and five daugh- 
ters. 

The father of our subject, David Irvine, was 
a mechanic, which trade he followed until his 
emigration to America in 1850. He settled upon 
a farm in Washington County, Pa., whence six 
years later he removed to Brooke County, W. Va. , 
and in 1865 came to Marion County, Ohio, where 
his death occurred at the age of about sixty years. 
In his political views he was a Republican, and 
in matters of public import was fearless in his ex- 
pression of his opinion. His wife, who bore the 
maiden name of Catherine Wilson, died in this 
county at the age of sixty-four. They were de- 
voted members of the Presbyterian Church, and 
a worthy couple, generous in assisting the needy, 
and esteemed by their a.ssociates. 

Of the parental family, John, the eldest, is a 
farmer in Wayne County, 111. The others are: 
James; Catherine, who lives in Marion County; 
Mathew, who died in infancy; William, a retired 
farmer, residing in Marion, Ohio; Eliza W., who 
makes her home in Logan County, this state; 
Richard V.; Wilson P.; Sarah Jane, who died in 
girlhood; and Mary J., who is unmarried. Our 
.subject was a small child when his parents 
brought him to America, and he grew to man- 
hood in this country, being trained to farm pur- 
suits. After the death of his father he remained 
with his mother and the other members of the 
household for a innnbcr of years, practically 
managing the estate until 1889, when it was di- 
vided. Since that time he has continued the oc- 
cupation with which he is most familiar, and has 
made a success, not only of general farm work, 
but also of the stock business, being the most ex- 
tensive shipper of stock in this part of the state. 

As every public-spirited citizen should, Mr. 
Irvine takes an intelligent interest in matters per- 
taining to the public welfare, and in his political 
affiliations gives his .sympathy and active co-oper- 
ation to the Republican party. His fellow-citi- 
zens, appreciating his fitness for offices of trust, 
have selected him to officiate as Township Trus- 
tee, but with that exception he has declined pub- 



5IO 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



lie positions, preferring to devote liis attention to 
his private interests. 

At difierent times Mr. Irvine has owned sev- 
eral hundred acres of land in Marion County, but 
he has sold the larger part of his farm possessions, 
and now owns some valuable real estate in Find- 
\a\, Ohio. His prosperitj- is certainly well merit- 
ed, for on commencing for himself he had little 
capital, but through energy and the exerci.se of 
good business judgment he has become well-to- 
do. He gives his aid to all public measures hav- 
ing for their object the promotion of the welfare 
of the people, and may be relied upon to give his 
influence in behalf of all that is true, uplifting 
and beneficial. 



i yi ATTHEW McKIXSTRV, whose death oc- 
Y curred February ii, 1888, was one of the 
(j) leading citizens of Tully Township, Marion 
County. He was a man of great public spirit, 
taking a commendable interest in the development 
of this county, and in all worth}' enterprises tend- 
ing toward its advancement. In educational mat- 
ters his voice was ever to be heard in favor of in- 
creased facilities and o]>portunities for the ^oung. 
For years he was one of the reliable and earnest 
workers in the Presbyterian Church, and, above 
all, he was a Christian of most exemplar}- char- 
acter. 

The birth of this worthy old pioneer took place 
Ju)ie 19, 1S15, in Washington County, Pa. His 
boyhood waspa.ssed quietly on his father's farm, 
and about 1834 he emigrated with the family to 
Ohio. His father, John McKinstry by name, 
purcliased two hundred and forty acres of .second- 
hand land in Tully Town.ship, Marion County. 
Onh' a few acres had been broken, and a log cabin 
was about the only improvement which had been 
made. Young Matthew's services were of great 
assistance to his father in the improvement of his 
farm, and he remained with his jiarcnts until they 
were called to the better land. 



November 22, 1849, Matthew McKinstry was 
united in marriage with Phoebe Garberson. Her 
parents were William and Eleanora (Slater) Gar- 
benson, well known early settlers of this county. 
Eleven children came to bless the union of our 
subject and wife, and not one of the number has 
been summoned by death. Ezemiah became the 
wife of Franklin Morrow, now deceased, but 
formerly a farmer of Claridon Township; by this 
union three children were born, namely: Jay, who 
died at the age of eight years; and Myrtle and 
James S., who, with their mother, live with Mrs. 
McKinstry. Ro.sanna married Wilson Hubbert, 
a farmer now living in Kansas; they have five 
living children and two died in infancj-. Sarah E. 
is the wife of Samuel Ne£f, a merchant of Bucyrus, 
and they have six children. Emma, who married 
John Neff, a farmer of Tulh- Township, has four 
children living and one deceased. Rebecca mar- 
ried Richard Douce, who is an agriculturist of 
Tully Township; they have had eight children, 
of whom two are deceased. John T. married 
Nettie Williams, by whom he has a family of 
four daughters; he resides in Marion. William C. , 
who is extensively engaged in raising sheep, and 
is also a general farmer of Morrow County, mar- 
ried Annie Glathart, and they had three children, 
of whom only one is living. James H., who is 
engaged in cultivating the old home place, mar- 
ried Lizzie Steck. Joseph F. , a farmer of Clari- 
don Township, married Amanda Burkhart, and 
they have two daughters living. Marshall, who 
married Bertha Crissinger, is engaged in the saw- 
mill business at Martel. Charles M., who is un- 
married, lives on the home farm. 

The death of Mr. McKin.stry was mourned as 
a public loss, and the sympathy of the commun- 
ity was with his bereaved familj-, whose happi- 
ness he had lived to promote. His body was in- 
terred in Isbera CcmeterA'. He had ever been 
deeply interested in the progress of this commun- 
ity, and deserves a place among its public-spirited 
citizens, who.se names will be perpetuated in its 
annals. At the time of his death he owned three 
hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, the 
larger portion of which he had improved through 
his own exertions. Politically he was a strong 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



511 



Republican, and never missed an election, believ- 
ing that a good citizen's first duty was to have a 
voice in tlie management of pul)lic affairs. 



-it? 



IlLLIAM CARR, who is well known and 
highly respected by his neighVjors and 
many friends, is a retired farmer of Ta>lor 
Creek Township, Hardin County, where he has 
made his home many )-ears. His reputation for 
honesty and fair dealing with others is one of 
which he may well be proud, and the good name 
which he will leave to his children will be their 
best heritage. 

A son of John and Rachel (Re}-nolds) Carr, 
our subject was born November 20, 1820, in 
Hardy County, \'a., his parents also being na- 
tives of that state. They moved to Ohio in 1830, 
settling in Franklin County, but nine years later 
came to this district. Our subject is one of eight 
children, only three of whom are living, and he 
continued to help manage the old homestead un- 
til his parents' death. Besides assisting in clear- 
ing the farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres 
he also helped to improve a tract of one hundred 
and sevent}' acres, eight}' of which he now owns. 
He cleared the land at the rate of about fifteen 
acres a year, and since moving here permanently, 
has cleared an additional thirty-five acres. It 
was in 1868 that he came to this farm, oidv twen- 
ty acres of the place having as yet been made 
ready for cultivation. For nearly- twenty years 
he dwelt in a log cabin 16x22 feet in dimensions, 
but in 1888 he built a new house, more commo- 
dious and comfortable in everj' respect. He has 
been verj- successful as a general farmer, and has 
made considerable money from his dealings in 
live stock. 

February 4, 1864, Mr. Carr and Mary Howell 
were married in Belle Center Township, Logan 
County, by Rev. J. C. Winters. She is a native 
of that county, and is the daughter of Henry and 



Mary (Tidd) Howell. The father was born in 
1S02, and died in 1887, having been a life-long 
farmer. His wife, who was Ijorn in December, 
1S07, died January 31, 1861. Of their thirteen 
children, six are yet living. To our subject and 
his wile nine children were born. January 8. 
18S9, when in her twenty-fifth year, Ruah was 
married to Khner Herrod, now of Belle Center; 
Hattie, born April 7. 1866, died December 29, 
1S87: Henry J., who was born Ma}' 29, 1867, 
married Anna Corwin, and resides in Hale Town- 
ship: Addie M., born June 2, 1S69, married Will- 
iam Hutchi.son December 20, 1889, and lives in 
Taylor Creek Township: Dora R., born January 
5, 187 1, was married, October 18, 1893, to B. F. 
Sryock: Clarence was born March 26, 1877; Will- 
iam was born August 6, 1879: Lola, born August 
15, 18S2, died February 10, 1883; and Lloyd, 
born August 10, 1884, died vSeptember 25, 1884. 
Mr. vSr\ock was liorn August 10, 1864, in Logan 
County, and is one of four children whose parents 
were Jnhn and Susan vSryock, early settlers of 
that county. To Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Sryock a 
son was born, February 11, 1894, to whom they 
gave the name of Oscar. 

In the early days our subject used to have to 
go on hor.seback twelve miles to mill. His edu- 
cation was gained in the old sulxscription schools 
of his boyhood, which he did not attend more 
than three months in the year. In politics he is 
a Repul)lican, and has given satisfaction to all 
concerned while acting in the capacity of School 
Director. For many years his wife has been a 
valued member of the Disciples Church, and a 
liberal upholder of its work in all branches. 



~ LI BEAGLIv has been a resident of Liberty 
'S Township, Hardin County, since 1874. He 
^ is now the owner of a fine estate located on 
section 4, and during the many years in which 
his lot has been cast in this county he has taken 
an active interest in its development and prog- 
ress. 



512 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Our subject was born in Muskingum County, 
this state, December lo, 1827, to John and Ma- 
tilda (Selsam) Beagle, who were married near 
Hagerstown, Md., about 1824. The father was 
born near that place in 1798, and there worked 
at his trade, that of a shoemaker, until his mar- 
riage. Soon after that event he moved with his 
bride to Muskingum County, and there made his 
home until 1853. That year he sold out and 
moved to Hancock County, two miles west of 
Houcktown, and seven miles south of Findlay. 
There he was residing at the time of his decease, 
in 1874, when sevent3--six years of age. He was 
the only child born to his parents, but he had a 
half-sister named Klizabeth Williams. His fa- 
ther died when he was an infant of twelve months, 
so all knowledge of him is lost. 

Matilda Selsam, who was born near Hagers- 
town, Md., about the year 181 r, was the daugh- 
ter of John Selsam, who, it is believed, was al.so 
a native of Maryland. Mrs. Beagle had three 
brothers, John, George and Daniel. 

To John and Matilda Beagle there were born 
eleven children. Martin is living in Williams- 
town, this state; Eli, of this sketch, was the 
next-born; Alva occupies a good farm northeast 
of Arlington, Ohio; Eliza is now Mrs. Joseph 
Tracy, and also lives in the same direction from 
Arlington ; John makes his home two miles from 
Houcktown: Elizabeth, Mrs. Reuben French, is a 
resident of Fostoria; Sarah, Mrs. Washington 
Waltenneyer, lives one mile west of Houcktown; 
Hester, whose home is tliree miles northeast of 
Williamstown, is the wife of Timothy Sherer; 
Matilda died in infancy; David is a merchant of 
Houcktown; and Thomas is station agent at 
Eagle Creek. 

Our subject was reared to mature years in 
Muskingum County, attending the subscription 
schools near his home in the summer season, 
and in the winter months was a student in the 
public schools. This continued until he was 
about twenty years of age, and the following 
year he began the battle of life for himself He 
first operated a rented farm for one .season, and 
the next summer worked out by the month for a 
Mr. Granger, who lived on Jonathan's Creek. 



Then, with the assi.stance given him by a cousin 
in Hagerstown, he erected a shop, and began 
working at the shoemaker's trade, which he had 
partially learned from his father. After remov- 
ing to Hancock County, he carried on his trade 
for five years, and on taking up his abode at 
Dunkirk still continued to be a shoemaker until 
1871, when he injured his thumb and was obliged 
to abandon the business. March 17, 1874, he 
located upon his present farm, which he had pur- 
cha.sed the previous fall. It is a nicelj- improved 
tract, and yields him a good income. 

Mr. Beagle was married, January 17, 1850, to 
Miss Jane Elizabeth Sears, whose birth occurred 
in Fairfax Countj', Va., in 1829. She was the 
daughter of Presley W. and Harriet (Catou) 
Sears, who were married near Center\-ille, that 
county, about 1828. Her father was the son of 
Presley, Sr., a native of England, who married a 
Miss Wooster, and for many years kept the toll- 
gate in Washington, D. C. He died in \'irginia. 
His son, the father of Mrs. Sears, came to Ohio 
about 1835, and hauled the first load of stone 
through Muskingum County, which was used on 
the canal. In 1858 he moved to Appanoose 
County, Iowa, .settling near Moravia, where he 
made his home until his death, in 1891, when in 
his seventy-second year. His wife died in 1878. 
To them were born ten children, namely: Jane 
Elizabeth, Mrs. Beagle; William, engaged as a 
civil engineer in Ea.st Saginaw, Mich.; Charles 
L. , who when last heard from was in Nashville, 
Tenn. .employed as an architect; \'irginia Eleanor, 
who died when five years of age; Ann, Mrs. Mc- 
Cloud, a resident of Nebra.ska; John, who has 
not been heard from since leaving home for Cali- 
fornia; Cornelius, Albert and Amanda, decea.sed; 
and Susan Cordelia, Mrs. Horner, who makes 
her home in Appanoose Countj-, Iowa, on the old 
home place. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Heagle there were born ten 
children, of whom we make the following men- 
tion: Mary Ellen is deceased; Eliza Ann married 
Daniel Shaw, and is living on a farm near Bluff- 
ton; Jennis is deceased; John is living near his 
father's place; Howard is farming in Wells Coun- 
ty, Ind. ; Charles and Willie Elsworth died when 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



51: 



young; Hattie M. is the wife of Charles Ham- 
mer, a farmer in this section; L,ydia Margaret is 
now Mrs. George Rayl, and, with her husband, 
occupies a farm one mile west of her father's 
place; and Bessie R. and her hu.sband, George 
Klinger, live west of Ada. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Beagle are members of the 
German Bapti.st Church. In politics the former 
is a Republican, and has voted for the candidates 
of that party since its organization. He has never 
had any desire to hold office, but has been pre- 
vailed upon to serve on the School Board for a 
number of years. The church to which he be- 
longed was similar to the Society of Friends, in 
that its members were allowed to pay a bounty 
and escape draft. The money was not used in 
securing a substitute, however, but in paying the 
nurses on the field of battle. For some time our 
subject was a local preacher in that denomina- 
tion, but of late years has retired on account of 
failing health. His sons, John and Howard, 
are preachers in this faith. 



^-- 



z-f 



0AVID F. FRYER, Mayor of Dunkirk, Ohio, 
is an honored veteran of the War of the Re- 
bellion, is prominent in Grand Army circles, 
in politics, and, in short, in every walk in life. It 
was in 1888 that he was raised to the trust and 
re.sponsibility of his office as Ma)-or, and for the 
same length of time he has also served accepta- 
bly as a Justice of the Peace. A true and tried 
Republican, he always .stands by the part}-, as it 
expresses his views on questions of political 
measures. 

Robert Fryer, father of David F., was born in 
Westchester County, Pa., in 1795, coming from 
a prominent family of the Keystone State. In 
1833 he emigrated to Carroll County, Ohio, where 
he made his home the rest of his life, his death 
taking place in 1864. His father, David, was a 
hero of Bunker Hill and Brandywine, and two 



of his brothers, John and Lewis, were soldiers in 
the War of 1812. The family is of Scotch de- 
scent, but aside from that little is known of them 
prior to the Revolution. The mother of our sub- 
ject was Estlier, daughter of Abel Green, who 
was likewi.se a participant in the l)attles of Bunk- 
er Hill and Brandywine. Mrs. Esther Fryer was 
born in Rising Sun, Md., and was the youngest 
child in her parents' family. Robert Fr>'er was 
also the youngest child, and both were the only 
representatives of their families to come to Ohio. 

Nine sons and daughters blessed the union of 
Robert and Esther Fryer, and all of them grew 
to mature years. George, who was a cooper by 
trade, died in Carroll County; Jane died in young 
womanhood; Pennock E., a Methodist minister, 
died at Anamosa, Iowa; Esther, who departed 
this life in Carroll County, married David Trusel, 
an extensive coal operator; Rachel is also de- 
ceased; Abel is a farmer in Indiana; David F. is 
the seventh in order of birth; John, who is now 
a resident of Carroll County, during the war was 
a member of Company D, Eightieth Ohio Infan- 
try, which he joined in 1862, serving till the close 
of hostilities; and Lizzie is the wife of William 
Campbell, a shoe dealer in Harlem, Ohio. 

The gentleman whose name heads this article 
was born in Harlem Springs, Carroll County, 
April 14, 1S44, and spent his earl}' days on his 
father's farm, securing the advantages of a good 
education. On leaving the common .schools he at- 
tended what was known as the Rural Seminary, 
and on the outbreak of the late war was a student 
at Mt. I'nion College, but before this time, how- 
ever, had taught one term of school. Promptly 
at the first call for troops he offered his services 
in defense of the Flag, but, with thousands of 
others, he could not find a place in the ranks, as 
the quota was filled. When the call for three 
hundred thousand men came he was again one of 
the first to respond, although he was afraid that 
his father would be bitterly opposed to his doing 
so on account of his youth. However, in place 
of the reproaches which he expected, on inform- 
ing his parents of the .step he had taken, his fa- 
ther said, "My son, your countr)- is in danger; 
you have promptly responded to the call for help, 



514 



PORTRAIT AND RKKlRArillCAL RECORD. 



and you have my consent to go, and my blessings 
go with you." This was a solemn and yet very 
happy moment forbotli; one proud that his son 
— a youth of seventeen — was readj- to fight and 
die, if need be, in behalf of his native land, and 
the other glad that he carried with him his fa- 
ther's blessing and prayers. Young Fryer be- 
came a member of Company D, Eightieth Ohio, 
under Col. E. R. Eckley. With his regiment he 
went South in December of 1861, and his first bat- 
tle was the fiercely waged Shiloh. Eater he was 
in the advance on Corinth and the subsequent 
siege, after which he took part in the battle of 
luka and the second engagement at Corinth. Fol- 
lowing this came Jackson, Champion Hills and 
the siege of Vick.sburg. He was sent next to 
Memphis, then to Corinth, and marched across 
the country to Eookout Mountain, two hundred 
and fifty miles distant. After the battle of Mis- 
sion Ridge, and other hard ser\ice. he went into 
winter quarters at Huntsville, Ala. He had en- 
li.sted in the Veteran Corps and was granted a 
furlough. During his stay at home his father 
died, and in June, 1864, he rejoined his regiment 
near Resaca. After fighting in tlie battle of 
Kenesaw Mountain and the siege of Atlanta, he 
went with Sherman on the march to the sea and 
through the Carolinas. He was in the battle of 
Bentonville, the last one of the war, and then, go- 
ing to Washington, had the honor of taking part 
in the Grand Review. With his regiment he was 
sent to Eittle Rock, Ark., where, August 23, 
1865, he was discharged with the rank of Ser- 
geant. In his long and arduous service, extend- 
ing from the beginning to the clo.se of the w-ar, 
which included many of the most notable en- 
gagements and campaigns, he was wounded only 
once, and that but .slightly, not causing him to 
leave his post of duty. However, when his serv- 
ice was nearing an end he was laid low by sun- 
stroke, from the effects of wliich lie has never re- 
covered, and therefore is now allowed a pension. 
Mr. Fryer had just commenced a term of school 
teaching when he enlisted, and the committee 
then told him that if he ever came back he should 
finish the term. True to their promises, both 
parties to the contract carried out their word, and 



Mr. Fryer was given $6 per month more than the 
usual amount. For seven years he was Superin- 
tendent of the Carlton schools, then for a like 
period served in a similar capacity in those of 
Malvern and Magnolia. In 1879 he came to 
Dunkirk as .Superintendent of schools, but retired 
from the profession in 1881. Until 1888 he was 
emploj-ed in a store, and afterwards engaged in 
the real-estate and insurance business, in which 
he has done well financially. 

Fraternally Mr. Fr3-er is Past Connnander of 
Edgar Post of this place, is a charter member of 
the Masonic lodge here, belongs to Kenton Chap- 
ter, and is also a leading Odd Fellow, having 
passed all the chairs. He is a charter member of 
the local lodge of Knights of Pythias and is con- 
nected with the Knights of Honor. 

On Christmas Day of 1S66 Mr. Fryer married 
Maggie J. Dunlap, of Carroll County. Her father, 
Samuel Dunlap, was a well-to-do farmer, and her 
brother John ser\-ed all through the war in the 
Thirtj'-second Ohio Infantry. Mr. and Mrs. Fryer 
have a pleasant home on one of the principal 
streets of the village. They are members of the 
Methodist Church, Mr. Fryer being a Tru.stee in 
the .same. 

■ ^ P • 



(Tames S. HEDRICK, M. D., anenterpris- 
I ing young physician of Dunkirk, Hardin 
(2/ County, enjoys a lucrative practice and ranks 
high among the members of his chosen profession. 
He is pre-eminently a self-made man, having ris- 
en through native qualities of determination and 
will-power from what he was at one time, a poor, 
inifriended boy, who had been left an orphan at 
the tender age of thirteen years, to what he is to- 
day, a man of superior education and prominence. 
The paternal great-grandfather of the Doctor 
was a native of Germany, but his son John, the 
next in the line of descent, was born in Pennsyl- 
vania. His .son I.saac, our subject's father, was 
born in 1818, in York County, Pa., on a farm, 
and by occupation was a farmer. He married 



PORTRAIT ANI3 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



515 



Sarah Mundis, a native of Pennsylvania, whose 
father was a Frenchman by birtli and came to 
America on the same ship as did I^aFayette, dur- 
ing the Revolution. He also served in that war 
and faithfully fought for the rights of his adopted 
country. Of his large family, all save his daugh- 
ter Sarah died in childhood. 

Dr. Hedrick was born in York County, Pa., 
October 13, 1858, being the third in a family of 
four children. John W. is a farmer of Morrow 
County, Ohio; William Henr}- is a member of the 
firm of John B. Netcher & Co., of Mansfield, pro- 
prietors of an exten.sive bottling works; and Mary 
is the wife of Albert vStraby, al.so a member of the 
firm ju.st mentioned. The parents of these chil- 
dren died in 1871, leaving their family no means, 
and thus each was thrown upon his own respon- 
sibility. Young Hedrick began working on a 
farm at $S a month, going to school in the win- 
ters. 

By the .spring of 1874 the industrious youth 
had saved enough money to pa_\- for one term's 
schooling in an academy, and when the following 
fall came round he obtained a certificate to teach 
a country school. At this time he was less than 
sixteen j-ears old, but he succeeded beyond his 
own expectations and won praises from all con- 
cerned. Thus for several years his time was 
spent, and in the intervals of his work he studied 
at Millensville (Pa.) Normal. In the spring of 
1880 he was made vSuperintendeiit of the jniblic 
.schools of Ea.st Pro.spect, Pa. 

It had alwaj'S been a cherished plan of the 
Doctor to stud}' medicine, and he spent many an 
hour perusing works l)earing on the subject. 
After taking a course of lectures in the College 
of Physicians and Surgeons in Baltimore, Md., 
he went to Van Wert, Ohio, where he had as 
preceptor a relative. Dr. A. N. Krout. In 1881 
he entered Starling Medical College, from which 
he was graduated in the spring of 1882. At once 
he located at Venedocia, Van Wert County, a 
Welsh settlement. Two years later he moved to 
North Washington, Hardin County, where he 
remained initil 188S, when he came to Dunkirk. 

Dr. Hedrick has been very active in the councils 
of the Republican party. He was for four years 



a member of the County Executive Committee, 
and has been President of the City Club since its 
organization. While living at North Washington 
he was a member of the Board of Education, and 
is now acting in a similar capacity, with the ad- 
ditional honor of holding the secretaryship. In 
1890 he was a candidate for County Auditor, but 
was defeated by a small majority. In his frater- 
nal relations he is an Odd Fellow and a Knight 
of Pythias. In the former organization he is 
Past Grand, and in the latter was the first Chan- 
cellor of Venedocia Lodge, and is a member of 
the Grand Lodge. 

On Christmas Day, 1SS3, Dr. Hedrick married 
Catherine Edwards, of Pomeroy, Ohio. They 
had three children, one of whom died at the age 
of ten months. Mrs. Hedrick, a noble and de- 
voted wife and mother, was summoned by the 
Angel of Death January 31, 1894, leaving her 
husband witli two small children: David I., now 
eight >ears old, and Lura May, who is in her 
sixth vear. 



RE\'. WELLING E. THOMAS, pastor of 
the First Pre.sbyterian Church in Marion, 
is a man of brilliant attainments, whose 
.splendid education has been of great value to him. 
He possesses conversational abilities of a high or- 
der, and with his genial manners and gentleman- 
ly bearing it is not strange that he occupies so 
prominent a place in the esteem of his fellow- 
men. 

Our subject was born in Orwell, Bradford Coun- 
ty, Pa., January 25, 1852, and is the son of Rev. 
Thomas Thomas, a Welshman by birth. The 
latter came to America with his parents when 
twelve >ears of age, and later studied for the 
ministry of the Presbyterian faith. He is now 
located at Wyalnsing.Pa. , having just retired from 
the ministry at eighty -two years of age. His 
wife, prior to her marriage, was Mary Evans, like- 
wise born in Wales. .She, too, came to this coun- 



5i6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



trj- with ber parents when young, settling in 
Bradford County, Pa. Her brother, Evan W. 
Evans, was the first Dean of Mathematics in Cor- 
nell University, and the author of several text- 
books which came into general use. Prior to ac- 
cepting the position of Dean in the above college 
he was Professor of Mathematics in Marietta Col- 
lege for a number of years. He died while fill- 
ing the Chair of Mathematics in Cornell. 

Welling E., of this sketch, was the only son 
born to his parents, but he had four sisters. Hat- 
tie still resides with her parents in Pennsylvania. 
Sarah C. married Dr. A. H. Adams, a missionary 
to Japan, in which country he died in 1879. His 
widow is now in Pari^, France, where her son is 
being educated. Mary became the wife of Rev. 
M. L. Cook, a Presbyterian preacher, holding a 
charge in the Keystone State. Anna is the wife 
of F. R. Wells, who is Superintendent of the en- 
tire business of the Bell Telephone Company, 
with offices in Paris, France. 

Our subject passed his early life in his native 
state. He later took a preparatory course in the 
Delaware Literary Institute of Franklin, N. Y., 
and in 1871 entered Lafayette College of Easton, 
Pa., from which he was graduated with honors 
four years later. He then taught for a short time 
in New Windsor (Md.) College, and in the fall 
of -1876, desirous of taking up his theological 
studies, entered the Union Theological Seminary 
of New York City. 

The climate of the city not agreeing with him, 
he left school at the end of the term, and the next 
year became a student in Princeton Theological 
Seminary, from which he was graduated in the 
spring of 1879. In October of that year he was 
ordained and given charge of the Presbyterian 
Churches at Ashley and Edon, Ohio. He re- 
mained in that field for five years, and in the fall 
of 1884 was called to Marion. He was instru- 
mental from the first in advancing the welfare of 
this church, and akso in increasing its numerical 
strength. Since entering upon his work here he 
has built one of the finest church edifices in this 
part of the state, the building costing $50,000. 
He lakes an active part in educational matters, 
and fur four years was a member of the Board of 



School E.Kaminers. The summer of 1891 he 
spent traveling in Europe. 

Rev. Welling E. Thomas was married, in 1881, 
to Miss Emma Mattoon, daughter of the Rev. 
Stephen Mattoon, D. D., who was for twenty 
years missionary to Siam, and for nearly the .same 
length of time was President of Biddle Univer- 
sity of Charlotte, N. C. Mrs. Thomas is a 
finely educated lady, being a graduate of Elniira 
Female College of New York. Their union has 
been blessed by the birth of fi\-e children, of whom 
the eldest daughter, Mary, died when two years 
old. The others are named, respectively, Nor- 
man Mattoon, Ralph L., Evan W. and Arthur R. 



III.IJAM H. BROWN. Just thirty years 
have passed away since this well known 
and respected citizen of Hardin County 
took up his abode in our midst. During this 
period he has been thoroughlj- interested in her 
development, and has aided every enterprise start- 
ed for the good of the community. His valuable 
farm is finely located in Cessna Township, and 
comprises sixty-two acres. In 1869 Mr. Brown 
was elected on the Republican ticket to the posi- 
tion of County vSurveyor (prior to which time he 
had filled out an unexpired term ), and in this ca- 
pacity he acted to the full satisfaction of all for 
ten years. 

The father of the above gentleman, Loomis 
Brown, was a native of New York State and of 
German descent. His wife, whose maiden name 
was Amancy Gifford, was born in New York. 
They had but two children, William H. and 
George. The latter was born July 11, 1837, and 
is now living in Waterloo, Iowa. 

William H. Brown was born at Amsterdam, 
N. Y., July 25, 1835. In 1847 ^'^ emigrated to 
the Buckeye State in company with his parents. 
They became residents of Medina County, and 
there the boy grew to manhood. The sjiring of 
1865 witnessed his departure from the jiaternal 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



519 



rooftree, and, coming to this county a few years 
afterward, he located on section 23, Cessna Town- 
ship. The place was covered with dense forests, 
and no improvements worthy of mention had 
been made thereon. Throngh the untiring efforts 
of our subject there may now be seen fertile fields, 
bearing abundant crops, and a thrifty, well kept 
set of farm buildings. He is also the owner of a 
good place in Medina Count\-, this state. 

November 24, 1859, the marriage of Mr. Brown 
and Jennie Richards took place. There were 
four children born of that union: Virginia, Flor- 
ence, Erwin and Celia. The mother died Novem- 
ber 23, 1879, and all but one of the children, Kr- 
win, have also lieen summoned by the angel of 
death. February 19, 1880, Mr. Brown married 
Miss Mary Scott, by whom he has five children: 
William L. , Georgie, Edwin, Myra and Earl. 

The elementary education of William H. Brown 
was obtained in the district schools, where he pur- 
sued his studies until he was about sixteen years 
old. Two years later he entered Baldwin ITniver- 
sity, taking a four-years scientiiic course. In or- 
der to meet his expenses the ambitious young man 
worked, at all spare moments, for his uncle at 
cabinet-making. He is a friend to education and 
to all worth)' enterprises and charities. 



Lrr 






EHAKLES C. JORDAN owns and operates 
a good farm situated on Survey No. 13,938, 
in Lynn Township, Hardin County. As a 
worthy and representative old settler, he has long 
been identified with the upbuilding of this coun- 
ty, and no one is more respected in this locality 
than he. A native of Germany, he was born in 
the village of Weichersbach, Hesse-Cassel, Octo- 
ber 15, 1840, and is the second child born to his 
parents, John and Catherine (Wertman) Jordan. 
They were also born in the Fatherland, and there 
the father died in December, 1840. 

Our subject attended the village school of his 



birthplace until a lad of twelve years, when he 
came to America in company with his mother 
and step-father. They landed at Baltimore, from 
which city they made their way to Bakersville, 
Somer-set County, Pa., where George Belz, his 
step-father, farmed until the spring of 1864. That 
year they moved to Hardin County, this state, 
where Mr. Belz died in the fall of the same year. 

While in the Keystone State, our subject en- 
listed in Company B, Twenty-eighth Pennsylva- 
nia Infantry, and the fir.st engagement in which 
he fought as a Union soldier occurred at Cedar 
Mountain. The second battle occurred at Antie- 
tam, where he was wounded, being confined in 
the hospital for three months. When sufficiently 
reco\-ered he rejoined his regiment at Harper's 
Ferry, serving his country faithfully and well 
initil July 20, 1864, when he was nuistered out 
at Chattanooga, Tenn. His term of service had 
expired June 21 of that year, but he was retained 
until after the capture of the rebel forces on Ken- 
esaw Mountain. 

On being mustered out Mr. Jcirdan came to 
Hardin County, where he was married, Feb- 
ruary 25, iS()6, to Catherine Baker, daughter of 
John and Sophia (Weisgerber) Baker. Their 
union has resulted in the birth of eight sons and 
daughters. Rebecca is now the wife of Franklin 
Kahler, a farmer of Cessna Township, this coun- 
ty; vSophia married Ora Maddox, a resident of 
Kenton; anil the others are Elizabeth, Mary, 
Margaret, William, Carol and Caroline. 

On his arrival in this county from the seat of 
war our subject farmed on rented land for two 
years in Pleasant Township. He subsequently 
worked for other people for eighteen months, or 
until he had accumulated a sufficient sum of 
money to enable him to buy a small tract of land. 
Accordingly, in October, 1868, he bought fifty- 
nine acres, included in his present farm, on which 
he first erected a log cabin and then began the 
work of improvement. He added to his posses- 
sions from time to time, until now he has one 
hundred and five broad acres. The land is well 
improved, and by a proper rotation of crops is 
made to yield an abundant harvest each year. 

Mr. Jordan has been the incumbent of many 



520 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



positions of trust, among them being the office of 
Township Trustee, Justice of the Peace and School 
Director. He is a Democrat in politics, and in 
religious matters is actively identified with the 
Evangelical Church. 



IqJKX. JAMES C. HOWE. Whoever labors 
l_ toward the development of his country, striv- 
^_>| ing to bring out its latent resources; who is 
devoted to the general welfare of the people; who 
seeks to promote the cause of justice and morali- 
ty, and to advance our civilization through edu- 
cational, professional or commercial channels, be- 
comes a public benefactor, and is wortln- of spec- 
ial mention on the pages of history. 

Such are the character and record of James C. 
Howe, Adjutant-General of the State of Ohio, 
and one of the eminent men of the country. He 
was born in Kenion, October 13, 1854, being the 
son of John and Mercy (Cockrel) Howe, natives, 
respectively, of New York and Delaware County, 
Ohio. His father, who became a pioneer of Har- 
din County, was for many years a prominent 
business man of Kenton, and was a soldier in 
Company B, Eighty-second Ohio Infantry, dur- 
ing the Civil War, his death occurring in Kenton 
soon after the clo.se of the conflict. His brother, 
Aaron Howe, is living in Iowa, and is a wealthy 
and influential man in his locality. The mother 
of our subject died September i, 1891. 

General Howe was one of eleven children, there 
being two sons and nine daughters. Of this 
nnmlier four sisters and both brothers are living, 
the former being wives of well-to-do business 
men, while the other brother, Millard K., is agent 
for the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad at ^'ind- 
lay. James C. grew to manhood in Kenton, 
where he was educated in the public schools. He 
learned the printer's trade under the late General 
Robinson, then editor of the Kenton Republican. 
After gaining a thorough knowledge of "the art 



preservative," he spent a year in the newspaper 
business in Cincinnati, and later was city editor 
of the Kenton Rcpubliian. 

From the last named position Mr. Howe re- 
signed in order to accept the position of Assistant 
Cashier of the First National Bank of Ken- 
ton, remaining in that capacity' for two years. 
Elected Clerk of the courts of Hardin County, 
he held that office for two terms of three years 
each. He then organized the Kenton Lock 
■Works, a .stock company with a capital of $75,000, 
of which concern he was President and general 
manager. His connection with this enterprise 
was in every way .satisfactory, and he retained the 
position of President until he received from Gov- 
ernor McKinley the appointment of Assistant 
Adjutant-General of the state in iSgi. One year 
later, in 1892, he was made Adjutant- General, 
and this high position he has since filled with 
great dignity and marked ability. 

The life of General Howe shows what it is in 
the power of a poor boy to accomplish in the 
world. Orphaned by his father's death when he 
was a mere lad, he became dependent upon his 
own resources at an early age and worked his way 
to one of the highest offices in tlie state. This, 
too, has been accomplished without a blot on his 
social, financial or political career. Personally 
he is a man of pleasing address and courteous 
manners, and his friends are legion, not only in 
Hardin County, where his life has been spent, but 
also throughout the entire state. He is a care- 
ful, conservative business man, and a shrewd, far- 
seeing politician. These qualities were evinced 
during his .service as Chairman of the Republican 
Executive Committee in the McKinley campaign, 
also as a member of the State Executive Com- 
mittee. Few men in the state have a wider ac- 
quaintance with the leading public men of the 
day than has he. From his long connection with 
the Ohio National Guards, he is most admirably 
fitted for the duties of Adjutant-General of the 
great state of Ohio. 

Socially General Howe is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity, the order of Odd Fellows, 
Knights of Pythias and order of Elks. He is 
prominently associated witli the .Sons of \'eter- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



52 J 



aus, being Inspector-General of the United States 
for that order. In 1877 he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Mary A. Downinj;, of Hardin 
County. They have had tliree children, two of 
whom, Warren and an infant, are deccasL-d. Ma- 
bel is a student in the public schools. 



v(g). «??A4,.. -(Sj 



(TOHN R. GARBKRSON is om.- .>f the old res- 
I idents of Marion Count\-, and lias lived on 
Q) his present homestead since 1S3S. Some 
years prior to the death of his mother, which oc- 
curred July 6, 1852, he purchased the interest of 
the other heirs in the estate, which consisted of 
one hundred and thirty acres. He has since pur- 
chased other lancl in the township, and now owns 
nearly eight hundred acres, of which five hun- 
dred are in his home farm, under the supervision 
of his .son John M. In 1862 he erected the sub- 
.stantial liouse in which he now makes his home. 
With the public affairs of the township and 
county Mr. Garberson has been closely identified. 
In 1854 he was elected on the independent ticket 
to the position of County Clerk, and held the of- 
fice for two terms, a period of six years. In Au- 
gust, 1867, he was appointed to fill a vacancy as 
Probate Judge by the Governor of Ohio, and the 
same year, on the expiration of the term, he was 
elected to tlie position, holding the office until 
1873. He continued to Hve at the county seat 
until 1S79, when he resumed agricultural duties. 
In his home neighborhood he has held nearly all 
of the offices, and as a public official he has made 
a good record. He is a friend to the public-school 
system and takes an interested part in measures 
which are intended to advance the welfare of liis 
fellow-men. 

David Garberson, the father of our subject, was 
born in New Jersey and was of Welsh descent, 
and his second wife, formerly Rosanna Resley, a 
native of Maryland, was of German extraction. 



His first wife bore him eight children, and by his 
second union he had four children. By trade he 
was a .shoemaker and followed that calling in his 
early days. About 18 16 he removed to Pennsyl- 
vania, and eight years later to an unimproved 
farm owned by his wife, near Mt. \'ernon, Ohio. 
He cleared and cultivated this farm until 1838, 
when he came to tliis county and settled in Clari- 
don Township, on the farm now owned by his 
son John R. On this tract of eighty acres, lo- 
cated on section 10, stood a weather-boarded log 
house and fiame barn, and these, with the excep- 
tion of a few acres which had been broken, were 
the only improvements that had yet been made. 
David Garberson, who was born November 15, 
1759, died on this farm, April 29, 1843, ^"d was 
buried in Caledonia Cemetery. His second wife, 
Rosanna, born July 8, 17SS, died July 6, 1852. 
While li\-ing in New JersL-_\- he served as Deputy 
Sheriff, and was a man of influence in the com- 
munity. Religiou.sly he held membership with 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The birth of John R. Garberson occurred near 
Loudonville, Ohio, November 25, 1820, and in a 
log cabin he spent his boyhood. He attended the 
subscription schools of Knox and Marion Coun- 
ties, and often walked a distance of a mile and 
a-half to and from the schoolhouse. In 1838 he 
came with his parents to this township, and in 
the fall and winter of 1843-44 was a student in 
the Maricin High School. During his father's 
last years much of the care of the farm devolved 
upon his shoulders. His mother continued to 
live with him until lier demise, and in her declin- 
ing days was pnixidcd with e\'ery comfort and 
attention. 

April 30, '844, was celebrated the marriage o{ 
John R. Garberson and vSusan Irey, who was born 
in Virginia, December 13, 1S23. Six children 
were born to this worthy coujjle, of whom David 
S. died March ig, 1846, and Ira died June 16, 
1847. I^nretta, who was born August 22, 1848, 
is the wife of Re\'. J. II. Bethards, a Methodist 
minister of Lima, Ohio, and they have two chil- 
dren, Grace and Paul. Charles F., who was born 
June 6, 1 85 1, is a well known attorney-at-law of 
Marion; he was united in marriage, September 14, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1876, with Miss Anna, daughter of Rev. John 
Graham, of Richwood, Ohio, and they have one 
child, Margaretta. John M. was bom June 14, 
1853, and now superintends the old farm; he 
married Carrie C, daughter of John M. Christian, 
Fehruarj- 9, 1875, and their living children are 
John J., George Heath, Averj- C, Mamie, Hilda, 
Lucretia and an infant as yet unnamed. William 
R., who was born August i, 1856, is now travel- 
ing for a Cleveland firm. His marriage, Decem- 
ber 25, 1877, united him with Flora, daughter of 
Rev. Loran B. Webster, of Marion: they have 
two children, Harry and Hazel. 

In religious belief Mr. Garber.son is a Methodist 
and for many years has been a faithful worker in 
that church, in which he has filled the offices of 
local Elder, Class- Leader, Steward and all the 
other important positions in the congregation. 
His life has been notable for his .strict integrity of 
purpose and deed, and those who have known 
him longest are numbered aiming his most sin- 
cere friends. 



30.S1II'A COPKhasthe honor of being the 
oldest settler now living in Dudley Town, 
ship, Hardin County, having made his home 
on his present farm for over sixt\--two years. 
He has witnes.sed the wonderful transformation 
wrought in this locality during these years, and 
has himself been one of the prominent factors in 
its development. 

A native of this .state, our .subject was born in 
Ro.ss County, December 12, 1813. His parents, 
Jo.sluia and Isabelle (McCray) Cope, reared a 
family of seven children, of whom he was the 
fourth in order of birth. Of this hou.sehold, all 
are decea.sed with the exception of Joshua, Jr. 
The i)arents were \'irginians by birth, and in the 
Old Dominion were reared to manhood and wo- 
manhood, and married. In 1812 thev left that 



state and, coming to Ohio, took up laud in Har- 
rison Count}-. They remained there but a short 
time, however, when they moved to Ross County 
and later to Madison County. They were resi- 
dents of the last-named county for a period of 
five years, and in 1818 we find them living in 
Marion County, where the father made a pur- 
chase of land in what is now Big Island Town- 
sliip. He was the first person to locate within its 
bounds, and was identified with its development 
and upbuilding until 1832, when he disposed of 
his property at a good price, and came to Hardin 
County, choosing a location in Dudlej- Township 
for his permanent home. There he died after 
pas.sing his seventy-sixth birthday. In this place, 
as in all the others in which he lived, he was a 
prominent figure in local affairs, and was one of 
the first County Commissioners. He belonged 
to the Society of Friends, and way, a thoroughly 
good and upright man. 

The original of this sketch remained at home 
until read}- to embark in life for himself, at which 
time he was married, November 17, 1836. His 
wife, formerly Elizabeth Hopkins, whose death 
occurred in Dudley Township, was at that time 
seventy -.six years of age. They had traveled 
life's journey together nearly fifty years. In re- 
ligious affairs .she was a member of the F'ree- 
Will Bapti.st Church. On the 23d of August, 
18S8, he took for his second wife Jane Wilson, 
daughter of David and Margaret (Hanna) Wil- 
son, natives of County Down, Ireland, where 
Mrs. Cope was born. On his farm Mr. Cope 
built a little log cabin, in which he made his home 
for some time, but this rude structure has long 
since given way to a more comfortable and com- 
modious abode. To the development of the 
county Mr. Cope has contributed largely, and 
has been an important factor in its growth. He 
owns one hundred and seventeen acres of fine 
land, and although his advanced j-ears prevent 
him from engaging in arduous work of any kind, 
yet he keeps himself posted on what is being 
done on the estate. 

In politics Mr. Cope is a Republican, and dur- 
ing his younger days was active in its ranks. For 
six years lie was Township Trustee, and in fact 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



523 



has been the incumbent of nearly all the township 
oiEces. He is a member of the Free- Will Baptist 
Church, with which body he has been connected 
for fifty-four years. 



m^^^<m 



<^HOMAS J. DICKINSON, an inflnential 
I C and extensive agriculturist of Hardin Coun- 
V^ t}-, owns two hundred and sixty -five acres 
in Hale Township, besides a tract of one hundred 
and twenty-six acres Ij'ing in Logan County. 
Both farms are under thorough tillage, bear a full 
line of adequate improvements, and yield large 
harvests of the various cereals, to the raising of 
which thej' are principally devoted. Mr. Dickin- 
son is an extensive dealer in live stock, and each 
year makes large shipments of cattle, hogs and 
sheep. 

The Dickinson family were originally residents 
of \'irginia, whence the paternal grandparents of 
our subject removed to Ohio and settled in Logan 
County, becoming pioneers of that section of the 
state. At that early day the population of the 
county consisted almost exclusively of Indiaiis, 
who, being unfriendly, never lost an opportunity 
of destroying the homes of the white men. The 
house occupied by grandfather Dickinson was 
burned to the ground by them, and he suffered 
frequent depredations at their hands. The mem- 
bers of the family have been honorable and ener- 
getic, worthy of their Scotch forefathers and their 
Quaker principles. 

The parents of our subject, Joseph N. and 
Mary Ann (Corwin) Dickinson, were natives of 
Logan County, this state, where the former still 
resides, being now (1895) seventy-nine years of 
age. The mother died in 1894, at the age of 
seventy-four. Their family consisted of twelve 
children, of whom Thomas J. was the fourth. He 
was born in Andrew County, Mo., February 8, 
1845, and was a child of four years when the fam- 
ily returned to Logan County, Ohio. At the age 
of fifteen years he came to Hardin County, where 



he has since made his home. Upon attaining his 
majority he began in life for himself, and his first 
purcha.se of land comprised a portion of his pres- 
ent farm in Hale Town.ship. 

November 14, 1867, occurred the marriage of 
Mr. Dickinson and Miss Caroline Bird, who has 
.spent much of her life here, though a native of 
Union County, this state. To them was granted 
a family of five children. Arlie, who died when 
twenty-two years of age, was the wife of Edward 
Griffiths; she left at her death a daughter, Bessie, 
who makes her home with our subject. Nelson, 
Emma, Delpha and Bertha are all at home. 

Mr. Dickinson is a stanch Republican in poli- 
tics, and on this ticket was elected to the office of 
County Commissioner in Januar\', 1894. Social- 
ly he is an C)dd Fellow, and belongs to Mt. 
Victory Lodge No. 583. His wife is a member 
of the Methodist Church, and although our sub- 
ject is not identified with any religious body, he 
gives liberally to the support of that congrega- 
tion. He is interested in all worth}- matters that 
affect the welfare of his connnunity, and is at all 
times willing to give to public causes. He has 
many friends and leads a happy life, surrounded 
by a loving family and all the comforts which a 
good income can .secure. 



HOHN S. BEALE. This enterprising young 
I citizen of Marion occtipies the responsible 
\Z/ po.sition of agent of the Columbus, Sandusky 
& Hocking Railroad Company. He was born 
at Gabon, this state, February 19, 1861, and is 
the son of T. H. B. Beale, whose birth occurred 
in Juniata County, Pa., October 7, 1838. The 
grandfather of our subject, William C. Beale, was 
also a native of tlie above county in Pennsylva- 
nia. He was a cabinet-maker by trade and 
worked at this vocation in the Keystone State un- 
til 1846, when he came to Crawford County, this 
state. In 1S53 he was honored by being elected 
Sheriff of the county on the Independent ticket. 



524 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



He was indefatigable in his work as Sheriff and 
gave satisfaction to all people concerned. He 
met his death in 1868 by an accident which oc- 
curred on the Pittsburg & Fort Wayne Railroad 
at Bucyrus. 

The Beale family is an old and prominent one 
in the history of Pennsylvania. The first to 
came to America was a native of Sheffield, Eng- 
land, who located in Juniata County, Pa., in 1682. 
Many of this name have occupied honored posi- 
tions in the political, financial and social world. 
John Beale, who was a brother of William C, 
was a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature, 
and his son, J. H., became a prominent clergy- 
man of a Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, 
and during the Civil War was a Chaplain in the 
army. General Beale, who occupied a position 
on General Grant's staff in Washington, is a 
member of this family. Many members served 
their country during the Revolutionary period, 
and others fought bravely in the War of 18 12. 

T. H. B. Beale was about eight years of age at 
the time his father came to this state, and grow- 
ing up in Galion, he had the advantage of its fine 
schools, completing his education in the high 
school there. He soon after became connected 
with the old Alantic & Great Western Railroad, 
and in 1871 went to Urbana as agent for that 
company. He proved a valuable man, and in 
1882 was made General Passenger and Freight 
Agent for the Clover Leaf, with headquarters at 
Toledo. The following year he was put in charge 
as joint agent of the New York, Lake Erie & 
Western and the Chicago & F>ie Railroads at 
Marion, holding this position until 1890, when 
he resigned in order to accept the position of Sec- 
retary of the Marion Steam Shovel Works, which 
office he resigned in April, 1894. He is a Mason, 
Knight Templar, Odd Fellow and al.so belongs to 
the order of Ivlks and the Royal Arcainun. He is 
a member of the Presbyterian Church, and dur- 
ing the past four years has been Superintendent 
of the .Sunday-school. 

The parents of our subject were married in 
i860. The mother, Margaret Sill, was a native 
of Bedford County, Pa., and was descended from 
one of the leading families of that state. To them 



were born four children, one of whom died in in- 
fancy. Margaret L. is the wife of F. S. Adams, 
a leading physician of Marion; and Edgar M. is 
agent for the Columbus, Sandusky & Hocking 
Railroad at Delaware, this state. 

John S. Beale attended the public schools of 
Galion and Urbana, where his parents were liv- 
ing in his boyhood, and when sixteen years of 
age became clerk for his father in the railroad of- 
fice in which he was engaged. He remained in 
his employ during all the years in which he was 
thus engaged until 1893, when, on the comple- 
tion of the Columbus, Sandusky & Hocking 
Railroad through this city, he was made agent of 
the comjiany and has had charge of the station 
since. 

Our subject was married, in 1883, to Miss Alice 
O. Doty, of Urbana. Their only child died in 
infancy. Socially, Mr. Beale is a Knight of Pyth- 
ias and a member of the Elks. He is a strong 
Republian in politics and an earnest, public- 
spirited citizen. A member of the Episcopal 
Church, he is now serving his congregation as 
vestrvman. 



OC +4"H"i-»-{"S"i"H"i' ^ »-i"i-'i"i"8"i^'i"i"H' X> 



^AMUEL H. KING. Few of the residents 
?\ of Marion County have made their home here 
V2/ for so long a period as has the subject of 
this biographical notice, who was born upon the 
farm where he now makes his home. He is the 
owner of a fine estate comprising one hundred 
and forty-six acres, and situated on section 33 of 
Salt Rock Township. Through his long and use- 
ful life, the greater portion of which has been spent 
in the immediate locality of his birth, he has been 
a witness of many of the improvements time has 
wrought in this .section of the state, and through 
energy, industry and judicious management has 
himself been an important factor in securing 
these improvements. 

Born June 5, 1827, our subject is the son of 
George and Hessie (Hopkins) King. Mary 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



525 



Ann, the eldest child, died at the age of about 
twenty ; James passed from earth in 1 862 ; Jane died 
in girlhood; one died in infancy; vSamuel H. is 
the next in the family circle; Nancy, the wife of 
James P. Gray, was called hence by death when 
twenty years of age; Cornelius passed away in in- 
fancy: Harriet, the widow of A. Brady, resides 
in Marion County; Alexander A. I,. I), is a farm- 
er of this locality; John B., a retired farmer, is a 
resident of Marion, Ohio; and Lydia C. , wife of 
R. G. Belong, died at about forty-two years, 

George King was born in Sussex County, Del., 
May 7, 1 79 1, and was a son of James and Nancy 
( Farquher ) King. During the War of 1812 he 
rendered valiant service in defense of the interests 
of our country. Later, moving to Ohio, he set- 
tled in Pickaway County, in 18 15, and there en- 
gaged in farming. In 182 1 he moved to Marion 
County, Ohio, and, entering land from the Gov- 
ernment, cleared and imjiroved a farm, on which 
he continued to make his home until his death, 
at the age of sixty-five years, January 10, 1857. 

The marriage of George King, February 29, 
18 1 6, united him with Hessie, daughter of Sam- 
uel and Jane Hopkins. She was born in Dela- 
ware October 31, 1797, and at the age of three 
years was taken by her parents to Pickawaj- 
County, Ohio, in 1801. Coming with her hus- 
band to Marion County, .she settled on the farm 
in Salt Rock Township where she lived for fifty 
years, sharing with her hu.sband the toils and 
hardships of pioneer life. For thirty years she 
was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and 
in that faith she passed away when seventy-six 
years of age. 

One of the pioneers of this locality, George 
King endured all the hardships incident to frontier 
existence and aided in the task of transforming 
the county into a finely improved farming region. 
In his political views he advocated the principles 
of the Democratic party, and always cast his bal- 
lot in support of its men and mea.sures. He was 
of Scotch-Irish extraction, as was also his wife. 
They now lie side by side in the Union Cemetery-. 
They were a worthy coujile, respected by all who 
knew them, and faithful members of the Presby- 
terian Church. 



The earliest recollections of our subject are as- 
sociated with pioneer scenes in this locality. 
During his lioyhood days he often played with 
the Indian l)()\s in the neighborhood, one of their 
favorite sports being the .shooting of arrows. 
Wolves, deer and wild turkeys abounded in the 
woods, and many liears and deer fell beneath his 
unerring rifle. His father upon coming to this 
country, about 1821, had selected a site for his 
home, and then, returning to Pickawa\- County 
in a wagon, lirought his family to the new home. 
Schools were few and far between in those early 
days, and educational advantages were meager; 
but our subject attended the district .schools when- 
ever an opportunity was afforded, and through 
self-culture, combined with training in the prim- 
itive temples of learning, he became a well in- 
formed man. At the age of twenty -one he start- 
ed out for himself at which time he rented a por- 
tion of the old homestead and began the life of a 
farmer. 

Thinking that in the further West he might 
have better opportunities, Mr. King went to Illi- 
nois and purchased three hundred acres in Cham- 
paign County, but being disappointed in the coun- 
try, he soon returned to Ohio and purchased a 
part of the old homestead, where he has ever 
since resided. November 7, 1850, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Jane Thompson, who was 
born in Clarke County, Ohio, February 16, 1827. 
Her parents, Edward and Ellen (Foos) Thomp- 
son, came to Marion County in 1829, and settled 
in Salt Rock Township, where the mother died 
at forty-nine years of age, and the father when 
sixty-two. vShe was of German- Welsh extrac- 
tion, and her parents were born in Kentucky; his 
parents were Virginians and were descendants of 
Iri.sh ance.stors. 

Three daughters and one son comprised the fam- 
ily of Mr. and Mrs. King, namely: Juha, the 
eldest, who died at four years of age; Annie, who 
married Louis Alkire, a farmer of Salt Rock 
Townsliiii, and is the mother of two children, 
Orley and Samuel Howard: David, who died 
at the age of two years and a-half; Henrietta 
v., the wife of James Clixby. a farmer of this 
township, their union having resulted in the 



526 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



birth of one child, Millie Gertrude. The family 
is connected with the Presbyterian Church, to the 
support of which Mr. King is a regular con- 
tributor. His political opinions have led him to 
advocate Republican principles, and upon the 
ticket of that party he has at different times been 
elected to local offices of trust and re.spon.sibility. 
As an agriculturist he is capable, energetic and 
persevering, and well deserves the large measure 
of success which has rewarded his efforts. 



SS-S&SiS-S^-SiS-SiS-vW'Sf&^iS-; 



G| I.HKRT THOMASSON. The agricultural 
/ I communitj- is the foinidation of true pros- 
/ I perity in the state, and in the homes of the 
fanners we maj- read the future of the country. 
The family represented by Mr. Thomasson is 
notable for integritj" and intelligence, energy and 
enterpri.se, and their common-.sense and practical 
knowledge influence all about them and conduce 
to the prosperity of the section in which they 
live. Mr. Thomasson is entitled to the honored 
name of pioneer, for at the time he came to Mar- 
ion County and purchased land in Bowling 
Green Township, the surrounding country was a 
wilderness and the land, being swampy, gave few 
indications of being available for farming pur- 
poses. To the growth and development of later 
years he has contributed largely, and while im- 
proving a valuable farm for himself has done not 
a little toward promoting the prosperity of his 
neighbors. 

A Virginian by birth and parentage, the sub- 
ject of this notice was born in Spottsylvania Coun- 
ty, October 9, 18 14, being the third of seven 
children who comprised the family of Henry and 
lilizabeth (Loving) Thoma.sson. Of this num- 
ber he and his brother Samuel, of \'irginia, are 
the only sur\-ivors. Their father was born in the 
Old Dominion, and was employed as a farmer and 
miller until his death, at forty-eight years of age. 
The paternal grandfather, who was born in Eng- 
land, came to America in youth, and was one of 



the .soldiers of the Revolution; his wife was also 
of English birth. Our subject's mother belonged 
to one of the F. F. V.'s, of whose chivalrj-, re- 
finement and culture history gives such a vivid 
picture. She died of smallpox, when about sixty 
years old. 

lentil fifteen \ears of age our subject attended 
the common schools, but at that time he began 
to learn the trade of a brickmason, serving an 
apprenticeship of four years. In the fall of 1838 
he came to Marion County, and purchased the 
land in Bowling Green Town.ship that he still 
owns. Here he built a log house and began the 
task of preparing the soil for cultivation. While 
the sununer seasons were devoted to agriculture, 
in the winter months he was employed at the 
trade of a brickmason, and he did the larger part 
of the bricklaying on the buildings put up in 
Marion in early days. For about forty years he 
followed the dual occupations of farmer and brick- 
mason, but of late years has retired from the 
trade and gives his attention to the management 
of his farm. 

The wife of our subject, Emma Mauley, was 
born in Virginia, and died in Marion County, 
Atigust 3, 1887. Twelve children had been boni 
unto them. Sarah, the eldest of the family, is 
the wife of George Caries, a farmer of Montgom- 
ery Township; Richard H. is an agriculturist of 
Hardin County, Ohio, and A. J. is similarly en- 
gaged in Montgomery Township, Marion Coun- 
ty; William and John are farmers of Bowling 
Green Town.ship; Su.san, Benjamin and Meggie 
died at the respective ages of eight, twenty-five 
and twenty -six; Minnie and Rachel died when 
young; and Eliza Ann and Rachel are also de- 
ceased. 

In political views Mr. Thoma.sson is a Demo- 
crat, and in early days took an active part in local 
affairs. He has served as Tnistee of the town- 
ship and served in other responsible positions. 
Socially he is identified with the Masonic lodge 
at Larue, and belongs to the Chapter in Marion. 
While he is not connected with any denomina- 
tion, he is a supporter of and believer in Chris- 
tianity. His .second marriage united him with 
Miss Lettie Dickinson, of Marion County, and 




MADISON M. TIIO.MI'SON. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



529 



two children were boni unto them, one of whom 
died in infancy, Albert L. being- the only sur- 
vivor. 

The farm owned and cultivated by Mr. Thom- 
asson consists of one hundred and twenty acres, 
bearing all the improvements of a first-class es- 
tate. Substantial buildings have replaced the 
structures of pioneer days, good fences have been 
built, trees have been planted and modern farm 
machiner>' introduced, making of the place one 
of the most valuable in the township. To the 
supervision of this property he gives his personal 
attention, doing an amount of work not often ac- 
complished by men twenty }-ears his junior. Not- 
withstanding his advanced years, he is hale and 
vigorous, retaining much of the physical vigor 
and mental capacity of youth. 



yyiADISON M. THOMPSON, a leading citi- 
y I zen of Kenton, is widely known as Auditor 
01 of Hardin County, and hi this position is 
both an able and influential official. He is a gen- 
tleman of superior social and business attainments, 
and commands the respect and esteem of all who 
know him. 

Mr Thompson was born on a farm in Mill 
Creek Township, Union County, Ohio, March 28, 
1857, and is the .son of Robert Thompson, whose 
birth also occurred in that county. The grand- 
father of our subject was a native of Virginia, and 
removed at an early day from his home near Cul- 
peper Court House, going to Mill Creek Town- 
ship, Union County. He resided here for many 
years, and died about the year 1865. In 1861 
Robert Thompson removed to Hardin County, 
locating on a farm eight miles east of the thriving 
cit}' of Kenton. There he died November 27, 
1887. His wife was Marinda Longebrake. She 
is still living, making her home at Mt. Victory, 
this state. 

Our subject had three brothers and two sisters, 
of whom one of the former died when a year old. 



George O. is a school teacher, and when not em- 
plo\'ed at this vocation looks after his interests in 
the old home farm. Another brother, Maine R., 
is engaged in a flouring-mill at Mt. Victory. 

Madison M. received the advantages of a dis- 
trict-.school education and remained at home until 
1885. That year he was appointed Po.stmaster of 
Mt. Victory, and faithfully discharged the duties 
thus imposed upon him until the fall of 1890, 
when he was elected County Auditor on the 
Democratic ticket. This term expired three years 
later, but he became his own successor, and is still 
the incumbent of the office. For six years pre- 
vious to becoming Postmaster he was Township 
Clerk, and the ability which he displayed in this 
office made him a valuable man to his party, and 
one whom they were sure of electing when 
brought before the public. He is apiominent 
Mason and Odd Fellow, having passed all the 
chairs in the latter order. 

In 1 88 1 Mr. Thompson was married to Mi.ss 
Fannie L,., daughter of Rev. James C. demons, 
a Methodist minister. They have had born to 
them si.x children, of whom those living are Roy 
L., Grover, Clyde and Naomi. The two daugh- 
ters deceased were Luvia and Genevieve. 



=+ 



+= 



KlvV. JKREMIAH SUTTEN. Thescholar- 
h- man whose life record we now attempt 
to place before the public, is the efficient 
and well lieloved pastor of the Free-Will Baptist 
Church at Larue. He was born December 10, 
1847, in Hamilton County, this state, and was 
the youngest in a family of six children born to 
John S. and Mary A. (Addis) Sutten. David P., 
the eldest, was a physician, and died when twen- 
ty-nine years old, in Illinois, where he was en- 
gaged in practice; Angeline married F. M. Sears, 
and makes her home in Cincinnati; Allen A. is a 
blacksmith of Warren County, Ohio; Bellamy S. 
is now a resident of Shelby ville, Ind. ; and John 



530 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



W. died when young. Bellamy S. has been 
County Clerk of his county for two terms, was 
for four years a member of the Indiana Legisla- 
ture, and was also Superintendent of the Cairo 
Division of the Big Four Railroad for several 
years. He was in the railroad business for a pe- 
riod of thirty-three years, but is now living retired 
in Shelby ville. He stands high in many of the 
social orders, and is ex-Grand Master of a Masonic 
lodge. 

John S. Sutten was a native of Pennsylvania, 
and when about thirteen years old his parents 
came to this state and located in Hamilton Coun- 
ty, where he was reared to manhood. He after- 
ward learned the trade of a shoemaker, at which 
he worked in connection with managing a small 
farm. He lived in that vicinity until 1859, but 
that year changed his location to a point near 
Blanchester, Clinton County, this state. There 
he also became the owner of a farm, on which he 
resided until his death, which occurred when he 
was sixtj'-eight years old. He was converted 
when about forty years old to the faith of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, in wliich he after- 
ward .served as a local preacher. Our subject was 
at that time an infant, but it was the desire of his fa- 
ther's heart that he should be trained for the 
ministry. Andrew Sutten, grandfather of Jere- 
miah, was a .soldier in the Mexican War, in which 
conflict he was made a General. He was after- 
ward elected to the House of Representatives, in 
which body he rendered his constituents valuable 
service. Although born in the United States, his 
parents were of Scotch- Irish extraction. 

Mrs. Marj-A. Sutten was born in Penn.sylvania 
and when young made the trip to Ohio with 
her parents on a flatboat. They, too, were Penn- 
sylvanians by birth and of Scotch and Iri.sh ex- 
traction. Mrs. Sutten was a devoted member of 
the Free-Will Baptist Church. Her son, our 
subject, remained at home until a lad of fifteen 
years, in the mean time having acquired a good 
education. He was a great student, always read- 
ing those books that would be of benefit to him, 
and when quite young organized a debating soci- 
ety, which was .something new in his neighbor- 
hood. Therein he gained quite a reputation as 



an orator, and this little society was the means of 
developing talents in the farmer lads which they 
did not know existed. 

When nineteen years old our subject began 
teaching school in Gallaudet, Ind., but after his 
first term of five months returned home and at- 
tended .school the following winter. The next j'ear 
he was employed to teach a village school in Cler- 
mont County, this state, and for the succeeding 
seven years was thus employed. During this 
time he studied for the ministry, being ordained 
in 1874, and aided in conducting protracted meet- 
ings for about four months. He held his first 
charge for five j'ears, and in 1879 was called to 
take charge of a congregation in Marion County. 
He served them as pastor until 1890, when he 
was appointed Chaplain of the Ohio State Peni- 
tentiary, and removed his family to Columbus. 
This change of affairs was brought about through 
the influence of the Hon. Mr. Watkins, without 
Mr. Sutten ever having sent in an application for 
the position. He was very popular with all who 
knew him, and for twenty-three months he dis- 
charged the duties of Chaplain. The change in 
administration, however, caused him to lo.se his 
position, but, desirous of accomplishing a good 
work among the prisoners, he organized what 
was known as the Ohio Penitentiary Sunday- 
school, and through his a.ssociation had eighty- 
four conversions. His good wife aided him in this 
cause, conducting the .services among the women. 

Upon leaving the penitentiary, our subject was 
engaged to preach for the congregations at Morral, 
Grand Prairie, Big Island and Union. In order 
to do this he was obliged to preacli three .sermons 
every Sunday, and in driving from place to place 
covered a distance of twelve miles. He continued 
thus for two years, when he resigned his pastor- 
ate of these charges, and, coming to Larue, began 
the work here August i, 1894. 

Mr. Sutten was married, November 28, 1869, to 
MoUie K. Cox, of Clinton County, this state, who 
died November 29, 1881, aged thirty-two years. 
She left at her decease a son, Clarence H., who is 
engaged in the livery business at Larue. March 
2, 1883, he was married to Mrs. Ella A. Kniffen, 
a most estimable lady, who greatly assists him in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



531 



church work. We cannot close this record with- 
out saying that this liardworking pastor has min- 
istered successfully in the Master's work because 
he has gone where most needed, and has not 
sought the highest places. His past must be to 
him a pleasant retrospect, revealing the changes 
wrought through his labors in behalf of the great 
liead of the Church, Jesus Christ. 



^i- 



SIvORGE RIFFEL is engaged in general 
farming and stock-raising on his well-cul- 
tivated farm, which is located on section 32, 
Claridon Township, Marion County. He has 
been a resident of this neighborhood for the past 
fourteen years, and is now numbered among her 
practical and thrifty agriculturists. From time 
to time he has been called, upon to .serve in an of- 
ficial capacit)', and has discharged the duties 
which rested upon him in a careful and tru.st- 
worthy manner. Among others he has held the 
offices of Township Trustee and Constable. He 
is a worthy example of a self-made man, for he 
began life empty handed and \vith only a limited 
subscription-school education. The school of his 
boyhood was a log cabin, about 18x20 feet, with 
puncheon floors and slab desks and benches. The 
windows were not supplied with glass, but had 
sheets of paper pasted over the apertures. 

The father of the gentleman above mentioned, 
Solomon Riffel, was of German extraction, but 
was born in Pennsylvania, as was also his wife, 
who before their union was a Miss Mary Bowers. 
Their only daughter, Minerva, who died No- 
vember 17, 1874, was the wife of Peter Rous- 
coulp; and George, of this sketch, was the only 
son. 

Our subject was born and reared on a farm in 
Fayette County, Pa., the date of his birth being 
November 3, 1821. His father died when he was 
only eight years of age, but he continued to live 
with his mother until a few years after reaching 



his majority. They were residents of Virginia 
for a nuniljer of years, but about 1844 moved to 
Licking County, Ohio, where George RiflFel rented 
land for two years. He then became proprietor 
of a farm which he subsequently sold, bu>ing and 
improving two others in that county, where he 
continued to dwell until iSSi. Shortly after com- 
ing to Marion County, he .settled on the place 
which he now cultivates and which comprises one 
hundred and twenty acres on section 32. 

March 25, 1S45, Mr. Riffel married Margaret 
E. , daughter of Adam and Susannah (Krouse) 
Winegardner. The lady was born in Licking 
County, this state, November 10, 1815, and is of 
German descent. Five children have been liorn 
to Mr. and Mrs. Riffel: vSulomon G., who is a 
farmer and a carpenter by trade, and is now liv- 
ing in Perry County; Samuel, who is assisting 
his father; Albert D., whose home is in Licking 
County; Jesse B., who died in infanc}-; and Annie, 
who married Ezekiel Bissett, by whom she had 
one child, George C. Her husband, who was a 
farmer, died November 28, 1884. 

In his political preferences George Riffel in- 
clines to the Democracy, with which he has been 
allied ever since casting his first ballot. 



I B. TYSON, M. D., one of the leading 
I C practitioners of Hardin Count}-, and indeed 
|_^ of the state, has been 3 citizen of Kenton 
for a number of years. Through his notable dis- 
covery for the cure of drunkenness, one much pref- 
erable to that of Dr. Keeley, he has become fa- 
mous in all parts of the United States, and in 
many Eluropean lands. One of the fir.st to ad- 
vance the theory that drunkeimess is a disease 
and should be treated accordingly, he devoted a 
great deal of .study to the subject, with the re- 
sult that he made one of the hiost wonderful dis- 
coveries of the nineteenth century. He has es- 
tablished sanitariums in various parts of this 



532 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArillCAL RECORD. 



country and in Europe. At this writing he is 
negotiating with foreign agents for the sale of his 
rights in Europe at an enormous sum. 

Dr. Tyson was born in Bloom Furnace, Scioto 
County, Ohio, February 15, 1841. His father, 
Jacob Ty.son, was a native of Baltimore, born in 
18 1 2. There is a bit of romance connected with 
his life; his father, a Quaker, married a Catholic, 
and this fact caused nuich feeling among some of 
the members of her faith. When Jacob was seven 
years old he was stolen from his parents by the 
aforesaid Catholics, and was conveyed to Ohio. 
Though it was never known just what plan or 
purpose his enemies had in view, it is a fact that 
he never received anything from his father's es- 
tate, which was very valuable. 

The wife of Jacob Ty.son bore the maiden name 
of Mar}- Rinnette. She came from a highly re- 
spected family. Three of her uncles were Baptist 
ministers, two brothers were also preachers, and 
her mother was a cousin of the famous Wa.sh- 
burn brothers, of whom Senator W. D. Wash- 
burn is now the only sur\ivor. Mrs. Mary Tyson 
was the mother of three children, the Doctor being 
the only son. Both daughters live in California; 
one is the wife of W. E. Parratt, a druggist, and 
the other is unmarried. 

His father being a large mill-owner and a man 
of ample means. Dr. Ty.son received a liberal ed- 
ucation. In the winter of 1859-60 he took up 
the study of medicine, being in Cinciiuiati when 
the Civil War broke out. He enlisted for three 
months, serving in Company D, Twenty-second 
Ohio Infantry. In the .spring of 1862 he entered 
the I'nited States Xavy under Conunander Foat, 
and was placed on the gunboat "Lexington," as 
hospital steward. He was present at many of 
the important engagements of the war, and was 
conunissioned First Lieutenant of Company H, 
One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteers, 
being detailed on the .staff of Gen. G. H. Stone. 
Later he was transferred to the .staff of Gen. J. 
W. Keifer, and was kept on detail duty until the 
close of the conflict. He received an honorable 
discharge September 11, 1865. 

After the war the Doctor traveled extensively 
in the West and Southwest, then went on a 



foreign tour, visiting the principal points of in- 
terest in all of the civilized countries of Europe. 
It was not until 1874 that he returned to his na- 
tive land. Prior to his travels he had practiced a 
year at Greenfield, Ohio, and then, going to Ken- 
ton, he resumed his chosen life work, at the 
same time conducting a drug store. He is an en- 
thusiast on the subject of his discovery for the 
cure of inebriates, and is likely to make a fortune 
from it, as he deser\-es, after the years he has 
gi\-en to the work. He is a member of the Grand 
Army of the Republic, the Union League and 
the Knights of Pythias. Politically he is an 
ardent Republican. 

In 1879 Dr. Tyson married Ilaltie W., eldest 
daughter of Gen. Moses B. Walker, a retired 
army officer, and the " hero of Chickaniauga." 
Thc\' have two children, Bruce W. and Mazelle. 



♦^^E 






GlUGl'STE Rlir, M. D. This i)ioininent 
I I physician and skillful surgeon of the city of 
I I Marion, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, 
April 5, 1849, on a farm eight miles from Tiffin. 
His father was Conrad, and graudfLither Sidney, 
Rhu (formerly spelled Roux). The former was 
a native of Germany, and was born near the 
French frontier. He was by profession a civil 
engineer, and three years prior to his emigration 
to America spent his time in \'ienna, Austria, 
where he was engaged in civil engineering. He 
lived for a time in New York after making his 
home in the New World, and about 1847 located 
in Ohio, where he jias.sed the remainder of his life 
engaged in the grain business in Seneca County, 
making and in turn losing fortunes. He died in 
1874. His wife, prior to her marriage, was Eliza- 
beth Detsch, a native of Kronach, Bavaria. She is 
now living, making her home in Tiffin, this .state. 
Dr. Rhu was the eldest of a family of nine chil- 
dren, and in order that he might be well educated 
was .sent a few months before attaining his tenth 
year to llie Franklin Street High School in Day- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



533 



ton, and later to the Notre Dame University at 
South Bend, Iiid. His progress in his studies 
was so rapid tliat at the age of sixteen we find 
him teaching a country school in Huron County. 
He was also a talented nuisician, and for several 
years played the organ in church. When yet a 
boy he went to Lincoln, 111., and there organized 
the musical department of Lincoln LTniversity, 
remaining at its head for a period of three years. 
He next went to Beaver, Pa., where he was 
elected Musical Director of the college in that 
place and remained for five years. Being anx- 
ious to devote his time to the study, ^of medicine, 
he entered the office of Dr. Jefferson Wilson, of 
that place, and in the fall of 1882 entered the 
Western Reserve Medical College of Cleveland, 
Ohio, from which he was graduated with the 
Class of '85. 

February 26, 1885, Dr. Rhu located for practice 
in Marion, with which place he has since been 
identified. It had lieen his desire since boyhood 
to become a physician, hut his father meeting 
with reverses in business, he was obliged to start 
out to make his own way in life, and it was fully 
twenty years after he determined to devote his 
time and talents to his profession before he was 
able to accomplish the desired end. On both his 
father's and mother's side were many physicians 
of note, and the desire to excel in the profession 
was born in him. 

July 8, 1875, Dr. Rhu married Helen Sweetser 
Sweney, eldest daughter of the venerable Dr. 
Robert L. Sweney, the principal physician of Ma- 
rion and for many years the foremost physician 
and surgeon of the count)-. He is now living re- 
tired in this city. Dr. Rhu entered into partner- 
ship with his father in-law after coming here, 
which no doubt gave him prestige, but it was not 
long before his natural ability showed itself, and 
as the result of his own efforts he stands at the 
head of the profession in Marion County and has 
the largest and most lucrative practice in this 
section. 

Dr. Rhu is a member of the American Med- 
ical Society, the Ohio Medical Society, the Mis- 
sissippi Valley Medical Society, the Northwest- 
ern Medical, and is ex-President of the Marion 



County Medical Society. He is an able writer 
on the science of medicine, and his articles have 
appeared in the leading medical journals of 
the country and have been favoralily commented 
upon b\- the press. He is a regular contributor 
to seven prominent journals. In 18S8 he was 
awarded a prize of $100 in cash by the "Western 
Medical Reporter" of Chicago for the best article 
on the clinic. 

The Doctor is a Knight-Templar Mason and a 
member of the vShrine. He also belongs to the 
Odd Fellows' fraternity and the Knights of 
Psthias. He is at present President of the Pen- 
sion Board, to which position he was appointed 
under Cleveland's first administration. 

The only child of Dr. and Mrs. Rhu is a son, 
Herman Sweetser, a young man of eighteen 
years, who is a student in the Ohio Wcsleyan 
Universitv. 






--^ 



GlLKXANDER GIVEN. As one of the pio- 
Ll neers of Hardin County, to whom the high- 
I I est praise is due for the honorable part they 
have borne in the development of this part of Ohio, 
prominent mention belongs to the venerable and 
highly esteemed gentleman above named. P'or 
.sixty-two years he has made his home on the 
farm where he now resides, and during the long 
period of his residence in this locality he has 
promoted its agricultural, religious and social 
welfare, and has aided in the progress of its high- 
est interests. 

The father of our subject, William Ciiven, was 
born in Baltimore, Md., in 1781, and engaged in 
farming on a small .scale until his death, in Har- 
din County, Ohio, at sixty-fiv^e years of age. In 
1807 he married Jane Mahan, who was born in 
Virginia in 1781. They had three children, 
Alexander, Mary and Harriet, of whom the first- 



534 



I^ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



named is the only survivor. The mother, when 
quite young, went with her parents to Kentucky, 
and from there removed to Ross County, Ohio, 
about 1800. Our subject's grandfather, William 
Given, emigrated from Ireland prior to the Rev- 
olutionary War, probably about 1770. While in 
the Old Country he married Isabella Boyd, who 
died in Indiana at the age of ninety-five years. 

During the residence of his parents in Ross 
County, Ohio, March 14, 181 1, the subject of 
this sketch was born, and in that count}- he was 
reared. As soon as he was old enough to be of 
assistance in the cultivation of the farm, he as- 
sisted his father in tilling the soil, the interven- 
ing months being devoted to his studies. At the 
age of fifteen he began to work for a neighboring 
farmer, who gave him $7 per month and his 
board, and with him he remained for two years. 
He then began to work on the canal for $10 per 
month, being thus engaged about two years. 
Returning lionie, he assisted his fithcr on the 
farm until he was nineteen. 

In Hardin County, Ohio, May 6, 1831, Mr. 
Given married Mary J. Campbell, whose father 
was of Scotch descent and her mother of Irish 
lineage. Four children were born to them, one 
of whom is decea.sed. Those living are Ivliza J., 
Mary and Frank. Eliza married Squire Cooney, 
of whom mention is elsewhere made: Mary be- 
came the wife of T. J. McDonald, and they had 
six children, of whom four are living; Frank has 
been twice married. 

After his marriage Mr. Given spent a year with 
his wife's parents, for .she being an only child, 
the family wi.shed her to remain near them. Pur- 
chasing fifty acres of wild land adjoining his 
father-in-law's farm, Mr. Given built a cabin, in- 
to which he moved the second year after his mar- 
riage. The building was 18x20 feet in dimen- 
sions, with clapboard roof and chinniey of mud 
and sticks. On this jilace, where he settled si.xty- 
two years ago, Mr. Given is still living (1895). 
He takes an intere.st in religious matters, and 
with his wife belongs to the Methodist Church. 
In early days he was a Whig, but now usually 
votes the Republican ticket, though in local mat- 
ters he is independent, always ca.sting his ballot 



for the candidate whom he deems best qualified 
for the office, irrespective of political ties. His 
first Presidential vote was cast in 1832, and he 
has voted at every national election since that 
time. 



3Me 



(Joseph v. WILSOXdied at his liome in 
I Agosta, Marion County, March 8, 1882, 
v2/ while yet in the prime of life and usefulness, 
having just passed the half-century mark. He 
was a man who was universally respected and be- 
loved, who, though he had a great many loyal and 
sincere friends, had no enemies, as far as known. 
For a great many years he was a leading member 
of the Christian Church, and an earnest worker 
in the local congregation. His residence in this 
county covered a period of some eleven }'ears, 
during which time he lived in Agosta and was 
employed as head .sawyer in the mills of this place. 
He was born in Clarke County, Ohio, I'ebruar)' 
12, 1831, and was reared on a farm. When he 
was about .seventeen years of age he began work- 
ing in a sawmill, and made this his main business 
in life. For .some years he owned sawmills in 
Clarke and Hardin Counties. 

The father of J. V. Wilson, Jo.seph, was a na- 
tive of Massachusetts, and his wife, whose 
maiden name was Mary A. Jones, was born in 
Maryland, and both were of English descent. 
vSeptember 16, 1S53, our subject married Eliza- 
beth, daughter of James and liliza (Brown) Hans- 
brough. The former was born in \'irginia, and 
in 1839 emigrated to Clarke County, Ohio, where 
he operated a farm until his death, which oc- 
curred when he was about sixty-eight years of 
age. His parents and liis ancestors for several 
generations were numbered among the sterling 
old families of \'irginia. Mrs. Eliza Hansbrough, 
also a native of the old Dominion, died in Clarke 
County when about forty years of age. Her fa- 
ther was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, 
and was a slave-holder. 

The wife of Joseph \'. Wilson was born March 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



12, 1833, in Hampshire County, Va. By her 
marriage she became the mother of the following 
children: Deraustus F. , a merchant of Agosta; 
Charles Fremont, who is in partnership with his 
eldest brother; Edwin S., a bookkeeper for a 
Toledo firm; John V., Principal of the Agosta 
schools; Frank, a prosperous farmer of this 
county; Mary Elizabeth, wife of John Danner, 
who is engaged in farming in this county; Jos- 
ephine, who died when about thirty years of age; 
and Georgia A., who married Charles Moore, a 
music teacher, and is now living in Indiana. 

Mrs. Wilson is a most estimable Christian 
woman, and has always been devoted to her hus- 
band and children. She endeavored to rear the 
latter to occupy useful positions, and to acquit 
themselves in an honorable manner toward their 
fellow-men at all times and under all circum- 
stances. Her prayers and labors have been re- 
warded, and she may well feel that her life work 
has not been in vain. The cause of the needy 
and oppressed awakes in her sincere sympathy, 
and as far as lies within her power she has always 
administered to the wants of the poor. 



^ 






61 NDREW D. JONES carries on general farm- 
LA ing and stock-rai.sing on section 4, Washing- 
I I ton Township, Hardin County. He has 
been the owner of this tract of land for over for- 
ty-five years, and has developed it from the prim- 
eval forest. On various occasions he has held 
offices of local usefulness, such as Township 
Tru.stee and Treasurer, and has ever kept the 
welfare of his home district clo.se at heart. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, An- 
drew Jones, was born in New Jersey. John 
Jones, father of A. D. Jones, was also a native of 
New Jersey, but his wife, who prior to her mar- 
riage was Sarah Bradberry, was of Peinis>lvania 
origin. They had eight children, as follows: 



Abner, Christopher, George and Charles, who 
were in the sen-ice; Andrew D. ; Mary, Mrs. Will- 
iam Chamberlain; John M.; and Margaret, Mrs. 
William Fleming. George lives in Indiana, and 
Charles in Pleasant Townshij). 

John Jones moved from his native state to 
Pennsylvania in his earl\- manliood, and about 
1820 came to Ohio in a wagon. He purchased 
one hundred acres of wild land in Knox County 
and, clearing a place, put up a log cabin. He was 
numbered among the pioneers of that region, and 
there he continued to dwell until 1851. At that 
time he took uji his abode in Wa.shington Town- 
ship, where he bought two hundred acres on sec- 
tion 23, living thereon the rest of his life. He 
died in 1866 and was buried in Washington Cem 
etery. Both he and his good wife were nieuihers 
of the Ihiited Brethren Church. 

Andrew I). Jones was Ixirn near Mt. Vernon, 
Knox Counts', May 22, 1825. He assisted his 
father on the farm until lie was in his nineteenth 
year, when he began learning the trade of brick- 
making, serving a three-years apprenticeship. 
During this time he received his board and clothes 
and was allowed to attend school ni the winter 
term. After becoming ma.ster of the business, 
he worked at it for three years more, and the 
brick for his house he made himself In the win- 
ters of 1846-47 and 1848-49 he taught school, 
and in the mean time made his first trip to this 
county. He was here a few weeks in the sum- 
mer of 1846, having made the journey by team. 
Again, four years afterward, he returned and 
rented land for two years. In 1854 he located 
on the farm which he now owns, and which he 
had bought five years before. At one time he 
owned two hundred and .six acres, but now he 
has seventy-one. 

September 23, 1850, Mr. Jones married Jane 
E. Moses, who was l)orn near Hartford, Conn., 
January 5, 1827, being the daughter of Asa and 
Almira (Barber) Moses. Three children were 
born to our subject and wife: John A., March 28, 
1852; Sarah A., April 19, 1854; and Moses M., 
March 27, 1859. The .son married Lena Philies, 
and had three children, Bessie L., Etta R. and 
David L. After the death of his first wife Mr. 



536 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Joues married Etta Watson, who became the 
mother of three children. Andrew, Leo and 
Maude B. John Jones died June 28, 1894. Sa- 
rah became the wife of Nathan Spaulding, and 
has four cliildren, Daisy, Lizzie L., Myrtle and 
Clay. Moses died March 27, 1859. 

Mrs. Jones came to this county with her parents 
in 1848 from Portage County, Ohio, whither they 
had moved in 1830 from Connecticut. Mr. Moses 
was at one time Trustee in this district. He came 
from good old Puritan stock, being of English 
descent, and of the religion of the Plymouth 
Colony, Congrcgationali.st. 

The primary education of our subject was such 
as was afforded by the local old-fashioned schools, 
but he subsequently went to Oberlin three win- 
ters. He is affiliated with the United Brethren 
Church, in which he is an earnest worker. 



GlXDREW UNCAPHER. The homestead 
/l owned and occupied by the subject of this 
I I sketch is one of the most desirable and 
attractive within the limits of Green Camp Town- 
ship, Marion County. It is pleasantly located 
and embellished with a good residence and cor- 
responding outbuildings of ample proportions. 

Mr. Uncapher was born October 6, 1819, in 
Westmoreland County, Pa., to Peter and Eliza- 
beth (Ringer) Uncapher. The father was born 
in Virginia, and during his earlier years was a 
carpenter. He afterward engaged in farming, and 
continued to follow this vocation for the remain- 
der of his days. He departed this life some years 
prior to the decease of his good wife. 

To Peter and lilizabeth Uncapher there were 
born many children. Of these, Michael moved 
to Illinois in early manhood and died in Galena; 
George, John and Philip are deceased; Margaret 
married Louis Ackerman; Andrew was the next- 
born; Simon lives in Foxburg, Pa., and has in 
his possession the old family Bible, in which the 
record of the children's births appear; Hannah, 
Isaac, Catherine, ICli/.abelh and Jo.seph are de- 



ceased; Anna and Samuel make their home in 
Pennsylvania. The father of this large family 
was fairly successful in life and gave to his chil- 
dren the best education which the day and his 
means afforded. He was a member of the Dutch 
Presbyterian Church, while his good v^'ife was a 
Lutheran by faith and practice. In politics the 
father was a Democrat, stanch and true. 

Andrew Uncapher was married, Februarj- 10, 
1857, to Sarah Brinker, the daughter of Henry 
and Elizabeth (Shibeler) Brinker, natives of 
Penn.sylvania. They emigrated to this .state in 
1851, and, locating in Marion County, here made 
their home until their decease, the mother pass- 
ing away August 14, 1S80, and the father dying 
Januarj' 31, 1887. Their eight children were: 
Susanna, now the wife of Martin Johnson, of this 
county; Sarah, now Mrs. Uncapher; John, de- 
ceased; Mary, the widow of Orland Courts; 
Catherine, who married James Andrews; Harriet, 
now Mrs. James Maddox; Lydia, the widow of 
William Carmine; and Elizabeth, the wife of 
Jacob Bricker, of Green Camp Township. 

Our subject lived at home initil attaining his 
majority, when he entered the employ of a good 
builder with the desire to learn the carpenter's 
trade. He worked for the same man for two 
years, and at the end of that time possessed suffi- 
cient knowledge of building and materials to be- 
gin to do journeyman's work, and for five years 
traveled about the country. He gained a good 
reputation as a contractor and builder, and after 
coming to Marion, in 1847, had all he could do in 
this line of work for seventeen years. He has 
also dealt quite extensively in buying and selling 
land, but at the present time is living on a tract 
of seventy- four acres which he owns in this town- 
ship. On this he has erected a substantial resi- 
dence and good barns and made it one of the very 
best farms in the county. The tract was covered 
with timber when it came into his possession, but 
thirty years' residence on it has resulted in plac- 
ing it under the best methods of improvement. 
His life here has been a happy and successful one, 
and he is held in high regard by the people of 
Green Camp Township and the surrounding 
country. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



539 



The marriage of our subject with Miss Brinker 
has resuhed in the birth of six children. Mary E. 
was born December 26, 1857, and is now the wife 
of John W. Davis, of tliis county; Laura C, born 
April 8, i860, is now Mrs. Wallace McBride, and 
lives in Hardin County; Sarah J. was born June 
10, 1862, and died May 28, 1863; Ivnuna P., born 
September 10, 1S65, is now the wife of Enos 
Swope, a painter by trade, li\'ing in Wood Comity, 
Ohio; Lydia L. was born April 14, 1868, and is 
now Mrs. Chris C. Summerlatt, of Green Camp; 
and Herman, who was born on the 4th of Sep- 
tember, 1879, is attending school. The daughters 
were all given good educations, and prior to their 
marriage taught school. Both Mr. and Mrs. Un- 
capher are members of the United Brethren 
Church. In politics Mr. ITncapher is a Demo- 
crat. He was elected a member of the School 
Board some time ago, and is a man of whom 
every one speaks well. 



GlLBERTlS C. BOWEN, agent of the Big 
Li Four Railroad Coniiiany at Marion, deserves 
/ I worthy mention as being one of the most 
useful members of the community. He original- 
ly contemplated entering the ministry, and was 
prosecuting his studies in this direction when he 
left college and entered the army. After serving 
for several years in this conflict, he enlLsted under 
General Cu.ster, and v^'as for five years a soldier 
on the plains. This life, however, completely 
changed his plans for becoming an Episcopal 
clergyman. 

Our subject was born in this county, May 21, 
1847, while his father, the late Judge Ozias Bow- 
en, was born near Lockport, N. Y., whence he 
came to this state in 1820, first making location 
in Newark. Six years later we find that he re- 
moved to Marion, where he was an able attorney, 
and was later elected Judge of the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas. His duties in this position fitted 
him for filling a still higher office, and for two 



terms he was on the Supreme Bench of the state. 
On one occasion he was the candidate of his party 
for Congre.ss, but failed by a small majority of 
being elected. He was a leading Republican, be- 
ing influential in the ranks of the party in this 
portion of the state, and died in 1871. Of the 
early history of this family we have but little in- 
formation. It is known, however, that the an- 
cestors of our subject were Welsh people, honored 
and respected in the community- in which they 
lived. 

The mother of our subject was in maidenhood 
Lydia E. Baker, the daughter of Eber Baker, 
who was the founder of the city of Marion. He 
was one of the leading pioneers of this locality, 
and in addition to his landed interests was the 
proprietor of a large dry-goods establishment, 
which was operated by his sons, he giving his 
entire attention to looking after his other enter- 
prises. One of his sons, George, was a Baptist 
minister; and Charles and Lincoln conducted the 
store. The former is still living and has attained 
the remarkable age of ninety years. Lincoln 
died in Marion, aged eiglitj- years. 

The parental family included seven sons, of 
whom Albertis C. was the youngest. Thomas C. 
was educated in the United States navy and served 
his countr\- as a .soldier in the nav}' during the 
Civil War. He later became an attorney, and at 
one time was Surveyor of Lorain County, Ohio, 
but is now Cit}- Engineer of Marion. Laurin D. 
was a soldier in Company E, Ninety-sixth Ohio 
Infantry, during the late war, and died after its 
close in Michigan from the efi"ects of his armj' ex- 
perience. Marcellus, formerly a prominent min- 
ister of the Presbyterian faith in this countr)', is 
now in charge of the American Board of Missions, 
and has been located at Constantinople for the 
past fifteen years. 

As stated in our opening paragraph, our sub- 
ject began to study for the mini.stry, but his army 
life interfering with his studies, he decided to 
turn his attention to other pursuits. In 1863 he 
left college and served in the One Hundred and 
Thirty-second Indiana Infantry, and later as a 
member of Company B, Sixt\--fourtli Ohio Infan- 
try. In 1 87 1, on resigning his position under 



540 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



General Custer, he located in Lincoln, Neb., 
whence he later made his way to California. In 
1885, however, hejourneyed homeward, and five 
years later was placed in charge of the .station of 
the Big Four Road at Marion. 

Mr. Bowen was married, in 1871, to Miss Zeru 
K. Arbuckle, of Sidney, this state. To them 
have been born two sons: Sydnie C. , who is book- 
keeper for the Marion Steam Shovel Company; 
and Roy H., who is also employed in the same 
office. In social affairs our subject is a promi- 
nent Knight of Pythias, and also belongs to the 
Maccabees, while in politics he is an influential 
Republican. His honorable, upright career has 
won him many friends, and in the responsible po- 
sition which he occupies he has the high regard 
of all with whom his business brings him in con- 
tact. 

• #^P ' 



IklCrllT R. IIKAD, the leading liveryman 
I if Hepbuni, conducts a good business in 
partnership with l-'. K. Smitli. They fur- 
ni.sh a good line of buggies, carnages, etc., to the 
traveling public, and keep a fine grade of horses 
on hand. Our subject is favorably known in this 
conununity as a man of good business principles 
and high sense of honor. He was born Decem- 
ber 20, 1853, in Burlington, \a., and was the 
youngest of the three children in the household 
of George and Ann (V'an Meter) Head. 

The father of our subject was also born in the 
Old Dominion, and there made his home until 
tlie spring of 1861, when he came with his famil_\- 
to Ohio and settled on a farm in Clarke County. 
He is now .seventy-two years of age, and makes 
his home with our subject. His wife, who was 
al.sf) born in \'irginia, died May i, 1892, and is 
buried in Lee Cemetery, at Hepburn. 

The original of this sketch remained at home 
until his marriage. Prior to this event he was 
engaged in the implement business at Kenton for 
two years. His next change found him in Hunts- 
ville, where he conducted a tliriving business 



in the same line, and for three years was identi- 
fied with the successful merchants of that place. 
He then returned to this county and was occupied 
as a tiller of the soil until 1893, in which year he 
formed a partnership with E. E. Smith, and en- 
gaged in the livery business. Two years prior 
to this time he was a patent-right agent in this 
and the neighboring comities. Although hav- 
ing money invested in the livery business, he 
is still engaged in fanning about one hundred and 
fifty acres of land in Dudley Town.ship. It is 
well improved, and by a proper rotation of crops 
the proprietor is rewarded by a handsome in- 
come. 

July 27, 1879, Mr. Head and Miss Dora Nor- 
ris, of this county, were united in marriage. The 
lady was the daughter of Samuel and Sarah A. 
(Baker) Norris, natives of Morrow County and 
New York State, respectively. Both of her par- 
ents are deceased. To our subject and his wife 
there have been born four children, namely: 
Florence, Fannie, Ray and Norris. 

In politics our subject is a supporter of Repub- 
lican doctrines and principles, and takes an active 
part in local affairs. He has been Assessor of 
his township for two tenns and has also filled the 
office of Supervisor. Socially he is a member of 
Hopkins Lodge No. 619, K. of P., of this place. 



n L. COLLINS, a successful farmer of Tay- 
I lor Creek Township, Hardin County, is an 
O example of what can be accomplished by a 
young man without capital, and with only him- 
self on whom to rely. He started in the battle 
of life empty-handed, and forged his way to a po- 
sition of prominence and independent fortune 
through hard and unremitting toil. 

A .son of James and Elizabeth (Huninger) Col- 
lins, our subject is one of twelve children, all but 
three of whom are yet living. The parents were 
natives of Virginia, but later came to this town- 
ship. James Collins purchased eighty acres of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



541 



timber-land, paying therefor $1.50 per acre. He 
then erected a log cabin, and in the years that 
followed cleared about half of his land. Deer, 
wild turkey.s and other game were plentiful in 
those days, and afforded a grateful change of 
diet. The farmers of this region were obliged to 
go to Sandusky when the\- wanted to ha\e any 
grain ground. Mr. Collins was a Repuljlican, 
and in religious views a Methodist. 

J. L. Collins, of this sketch, was born March 
21, 1846, in this township, and quietl\- passed 
his happy childliood days, ab.sorbed in work and 
plav. He continued to dwell with his parents 
until reaching his twent>-eighth year, when he 
was married. He was early ac(|uainted with 
hard and honest toil, and many an hour has he 
chopped rails and cordwood. At length he had 
saved enough money to buy forty acres of land, 
all thickly covered with timber. There stood on 
the place a log cabin, in which our subject lived 
for a few years. Nearly ijue hundred acres of 
the homestead he has clearetl himself 

The brothers and sisters of our subject are: 
Margery, living on the old farm; Amanda, de- 
ceased; Daniel, a farmer of this township, and 
whose wife was formerly Kliza I^owry; Samuel; 
Mar}-, wife of Andrew Gib.son, of this town.ship; 
Thomas T., who married Maggie Oglcsb}- and 
runs a farm in Hale Township; Sarah, Mrs. 
John Reefer, a resident of this township; Will- 
iam and Eliza, who live on the old farm; and 
two who died in infancy. 

March 26, 1S75, Mr. Collins and Alice Cham- 
berlin were united in marriage in Buck Town- 
ship. Mrs. Collins was born September 9, 1S55, 
being a daughter of Cornelius and Catherine 
(Queenj Chamberlin. Their other children were; 
Jane, deceased ; William, who married Alice 
Pfeifer, and li\-es in Kenton; Charles; Douglas; 
Martin, who married I{mma Cooper; John, who 
wedded Lena Phillips, and is a resident of this 
township; and Henry. 

Of the children born to our .subject and his wife 
we make the following mention; Myrtle, the wife 
of Louis Fisher, a farmer of Logan County, was 
born September 24, 1874; Clara Belle was born 
September 14, 1S76; Katie, born March 20, 1882, 



died February 7. 1889; James G. was born Octo- 
ber 12, 1884; Alonzo, born August i, 1888, died 
January 29, 1890; and Roy was born May 18, 
1S90. 

Mr. Collins takes a great interest in the suc- 
cess of the Republican party, and never fails to 
be present at his post of duty as a good citizen 
when the time of election comes round. Religi- 
ously he is identified with the Methodist I<^pi.sco- 
pal Church. 



_ _^S^h>... 



HENRY W. SAC,I<:R, a leading young phy- 
.sician of Marion County, has been continu- 
ously engaged in practice in Agosta since 
the fall of 1S92, and finds his time fully occupied 
in attending to the needs of his numerous pa- 
tients. He has acquired a favorable reputation as 
a young man of ability, and one who is thorough- 
ly acquainted v^-ith the best methods of combat- 
ting disease. He still keeps up his studies in the 
line of medical discoveries and scientific investi- 
gation, and thus keeps in touch with the times. 

The Doctor's father, Benjamin Sager, was born 
in Ohio, and for a great many years was one 
of the best known and prominent farmers of 
this county. The grandparents were natives of 
Penn.sylvania, where several generations of the 
family were located. Grandfather Sager was the 
first settler on Brush Creek, and owned the first 
gristmill in that part of the county. He lived to 
attain the good old age of eighty-six years, and 
was respected and honored by all who knew him. 
On arriving at man's estate Benjamin Sager chose 
for his wife and helpmate Sarah Couger, who was 
of German descent. She was born in We.st Vir- 
ginia, but is now living in this county. The 
father was of German and French extraction. 

The birth of Dr. Sager occurred on the an- 
niversary of our National independence, July 4, 
1862, in Bowling Green Township, Marion Coun- 



542 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ty. He was the third in a family of six children, 
and was reared by his estimable parents in a most 
exemplary manner, with a due regard for the 
rights of his fellow-men. He remained on the 
home farm, attending the district schools more or 
less until he was a youth of eighteen years. De- 
siring better educational advantages, he then en- 
tered the college at Ada, Ohio, and took a normal 
or teacher's course, spending five terms in that 
institution. During this time he taught in the 
winter months in his home district. In 1889 he 
went to \'alparaiso, Ind., and attended the nor- 
mal there for about six months, after which he en- 
tered Starling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio. 
When he had taken two terms of lectures, his 
studies were interrupted by sickness, and after he 
had recovered he concluded to finish his medical 
education at Lebanon College, from which he was 
graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. 
He came direct to Ago.sta, and entered upon his 
professional career, in which he is meeting with 
gratifying success. 

Dr. Sager uses his right of franchise in favor 
of the Democratic party. Fraternally he is a 
member of the Junior Order of United American 
Mechanics. He is not a member of any church 
organization, but is a young man of good habits, 
upright in his dealings with all, and possessed 
of a high sen.se of right and justice. It is safe 
to predict for him a very prosperous and useful 
future, judging bj- the results which he has al- 
ready accomplished. 



(T.\Mi;S LOWICKY. It is now almost thirty 
I years since this respected resident of Taylor 
QD Creek Township, Hardin County, moved to 
his present homestead, on which he has made 
va.st changes. It is one of the best in the county 
and is situated on section 29, being well adapted 
for general farming and stock-raising. The agri- 
cultural portion of our populatioti is ju.stly termed 
the bone and sinew of the country, and there need 



be no fears for the future of our beloved land while 
she has such thrifty, upright and patriotic sons as 
he who.se name stands at the head of this .sketch. 

The birth of James Lowery occurred in Roch- 
ester, N. Y., December 19, 1834, his parents 
being Robert and Agnes (Woods) Lowery, na- 
tives of Belfast, Ireland. Thej- sailed for Amer- 
ica in the spring of 1832, and experienced a 
stormy voyage of eight weeks before reaching 
New York. Thej- were married in 1833, after 
Mr. Lowen,- had become established in business 
and felt prepared to support a wife. He worked 
in the metropolis at his trade, that of a cooper, 
until 1836, when he came to Ohio, going by boat 
to Sandusky and from there to Big Springs by 
means of a hired wagon and team. He bought 
one hundred acres of land covered with heavy 
timber, and located in Logan County. He made 
this trip alone in order to prepare a place for his 
family, who came a year later, taking up their 
abode in a small log cabin, wherein the)- dwelt 
during the next eighteen years, when a new 
house was constructed. In 1865 Mr. Lowery 
sold out and moved to Rush Creek Township, 
that county, buying one hundred and nine acres, 
fifty of which had been cleared. There, surround- 
ed b)' the comforts which their own labors liad 
provided, the parents happily spent their declining 
days, and when their work was finally ended they 
were placed to rest in the cemetery of that dis- 
trict. 

James Lowery lived with his parents, giving 
them his dutiful assistance in clearing and devel- 
oping their new farm, until he was twenty-four 
years of age. He then learned the carpenter's 
trade, which calling he followed steadily for about 
ten years. In 1866 he moved to this township 
and invested in eighty acres of land, on which 
there stood a log cabin. Subsequently he pur- 
chased twenty acres more, and now has eighty of 
this cleared, having hewed the forest away from 
sixty acres him.self As he began life a poor boy 
and had his own way to make, great credit is due 
him for what he has accomplished. 

November 17, 1859, Mr. Lowery married Miss 
Jane Porter, daughter of Andrew and Rebecca 
Porter, and one of their seven children, all but 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



543 



one of whom are yet living. The union of Mr. and 
Mrs. Lowery has resulted in ten children: Rob- 
ert, born October 27, 1861, died January 21, 1884; 
and the others are Wayne, born October 22, 
1862; Elvira and Elmira, twins, born January 
30, 1865; Marj' R., Februar\- 19, 1S69; Alice J., 
October i, 1872; Cora A., October 2, 1S74: James 
Haj-es, January 5, 1876: Eucretia B., Ma>- 2, 
1879; and Hattie G., May 27, 1S82. 

Mr. Lovverj' has taken an active part in all lo- 
cal enterprises. He was a School Director for 
some time and served as Trustee for nine years, 
having been elected by the Republicans, his own 
party. He is a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, and among those who know him well 
he bears a reputation for integrity of word and 
deed that must be very gratifying both to himself 
and to his family. 



(Tames F. marsh is one of the reprcscnta- 
I tive citizens of Larue, Marion County, where 
(2/ he owns a beautiful home and considerable 
property. He is now virtually retired from act- 
ive cares, although he looks after his estates and 
investments. His wife was a daughter of the 
well known Major Larue, in who.se honor this 
village was named, and as she was the only child, 
it fell to her and our subject to take charge of the 
old pioneer's large landed possessions. 

The parents of James F. were Peter and Eliz- 
abeth (Foresman) Marsh, who had a family of 
six sons and one daughter. Austin C, the eld- 
est, is a resident of McCook, Neb. ; our subject is 
next in order of birth; Erastus makes his home 
in Iowa; Lucretia married Adam Frasier, of Har- 
din County, Ohio; Milton is in Marion; Joseph is 
a resident of Kansas; and his twin brother, Ben- 
jamin, was wounded in the late war and died 
soon afterward, aged about thirty-three years. 

Peter Mansh was born in Northampton County, 
Pa., and there grew to manhood. After his mar- 
riage he emigrated to Seneca County, Ohio, about 



1825, and entered land, on which he made his 
home until 1842. He later went to Hardin Coun- 
ty and bought the land which he cultivated until 
his death, at the age of sixty-five years. At an 
early da\- he was an ofllcer in the State Militia, 
in politics was a Democrat, and for two years was 
County Commissioner of Hardin Ct)unty. One 
of the first settlers of this re.i^ion, he did much 
toward the impro\enient of his township, and 
helj)ed to build and organize the first church 
hereabouts, which was located half a mile west 
of Larue, before the town was laid out. For _\ears 
he was an IClder in the Presbyterian Church, and 
in all his dealings exemplified the principles he 
professed. His parents were natives of Germany. 
Mrs. F;iizabeth Marsh was born in F'limsport, Pa., 
and died at the old homestead in i860, aged 
sixty-two years. Her parents were natives of 
Peinisyh-ania, and were of the old Presbyterian 
.stock. 

The l)irth of James F. Marsh occurred June 20, 
1830, in Seneca County, Ohio, and he was about 
eleven years old when his parents removed their 
family to this section. There was no house on 
his father's land when they arrived here in April, 
and for a week or so, or while one was being 
erected on their farm, they lived in a vacant cab- 
in about four miles from the pre-sent town of La- 
rue. In order to reach their future home they 
were obliged to cut a path through the timber. 
About a week after they had removed thither our 
subject and his younger brother were lost in the 
forest for .several hours and all the neighbors 
turned out to search for them. They were obliged 
to go about thirty miles to mill, and the usual 
experiences of pioneer life fell to their lot. The 
country abounded in game and wild animals and 
those were happy days for the hunters. Mr. 
Marsh well remembers when Major Larue lived 
where the town of the same name has .since been 
built, and when he had but thirt\' acres of land 
cleared. Young Marsh worked for him at odd 
times, and helped build the .second barn in the 
place. The first frame barn built in Montgomery 
Township was erected in 1839. When it was 
not filled with hay and stock the first-mentioned 
building was used for a church, and at other 



544 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



times sen-ices were held in a mill. James attend- 
ed the log schoolhouse of the township for two 
terms, and then went to the Marion Academ}' 
for two terms. Obtaining a certificate, he next 
engaged in teaching school at Ridgeway, Hardin 
Count}', for two terms. One winter he fed the 
cattle and was otherwise emplo\-ed bj- a man 
named Williams of this county. Returning home 
for a time, he was next employed with a surveying 
party on the Big Four Railroad between Marion 
and Bellefontaine for several months. 

In June, 1853, J. F. Marsh married Belinda, 
daughter of Maj. William and Cynthia (Brine) 
Larue. The former was a native of Washington 
County, Ohio, who had entered land in this coun- 
ty about 1823. He was one of the very first set- 
tlers in this township, as only six had preceded 
him. In 1832 he laid out the village of Larue, 
giving the Big Four Railroad a right of way and 
land for a station, with the understanding that all 
trains should stop here. He undoubtedly did 
more for the development of Larue than any other 
person. He accumulated a fortune and owned a 
farm of about three hundred and twenty acres in 
Montgomery Township, and one of two hundred 
and twenty-five acres in Bowling Green Town- 
ship. The first town.ship election was held in his 
house, when there were but nine voters within 
its limits. He was Land Apprai.ser of the town- 
ship for two terms, and at an early day was Cap- 
tain of a militia company. His grandfather was 
a native of France. The Major died in August, 
1879, aged eighty-one years. Though he was 
not a member of any church, he was very gener- 
ous in his contributions toward religious purpo.ses 
and gave lots to all the local churches. His wife 
was born in Meigs County, Ohio, and died here 
at the age of fifty-seven years. She was the first 
person buried in Bomier's Cemetery. Religiously 
.she was a strict member of the Baptist Church. 

When James F. Marsh was married, Major 
Larue gave the young couple seventy-six acres 
of land, on which a large share of the town now 
stands. For four years Mr. Mar.sh engaged in 
cultivating this place, and at the expiration of 
that time, his motherin-law having died, here- 
sided with Major Larue until 1863, and then went 



to Iowa, where his father-in-law had entered one 
thousand acres of land. He took the manage- 
ment of this immense tract, and continued to live 
there from 1863 until the fall of 1866, when the 
land was sold. During this period Mr. Marsh 
organized a militia company, known as the Strick- 
land Guards, of which he was elected First Lieu- 
tenant. They were called into action in Kansas 
and Mis.souri, .spending some months on guard 
duty. Since the Iowa property was sold our sub- 
ject has made his home in Larue. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Marsh were born five chil- 
dren: William, who makes his home with his fa- 
ther and has served as Postmaster of this place; 
Ella, who graduated from Oberlin College and was 
an accomplished musician; Arthur, who is now 
on the farm; and two who died in infancy. Ella, 
whose death occurred in August, 1889, became 
the wife of Ezra Anderson, by whom she had 
three children. Mrs. Marsh was called to her 
final rest October 13, 1890, her death resulting 
from heart trouble. She was a member of the 
Presbyterian Church, to which Mr. Mar.sh al.so 
belongs. He is a Republican, and has always 
taken great interest in the welfare of his part}'. 
For nine years he served as Township Trustee, 
but has never been desirous of public po.sitions. 



'i@f^ 



--r^^-f' 



(TjAMUEL SMITH, of Claridon Township, 
?\ was born and reared in Marion County, and 
V,*j / has passed the greater portion of liis life 
within its limits. The farm which he now owns 
on .section 21, and on which he makes his home, 
comprised ninety-eight acres of forest land. Few 
improvements had been made on the place, 
though a small log house had been erected. This 
has all been changed, and the well kept fields and 
farm j'ards bear little resemblance to the wild 
tract which it was when Mr Smith became the 
owner of the homestead. 

Born February 17, 1821, Samuel Smith is the 
son of David and Katherine (Willey) Smith, the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



545 



former of whom was born March 12, 1799, and 
the latter October 17 of the same year. Tliey 
were the parents of thirteen children, but the only 
survivors of the family are .Samuel, David, Al- 
mira and Catherine. 

The father of the above-named children was 
reared in Connecticut until about iSio, when he 
came to Ohio with a team, and in this .state he 
grew to manhood. He was married in the year 
1817 and later came to this locality, settling in 
Waldo Township. He rented land for three or 
four years and then purchased a place, which was 
covered with heavy timber. He put up a log 
cabin and devoted his energies to cultivating and 
clearing the farm. His death occurred there 
September 28, 1870. He was a member of the 
United Brethren Church, and helped to organize 
the first schools of the district. He held a num- 
ber of township offices, helped to la}- out the 
roads, and in other ways assisted in develoi)ing 
the county. His wife died in October, 18S5, be- 
ing then in her eighty-seventh year. 

Until he was fourteen years of age, Samuel 
Smith's life passed uneventfully, and in the usual 
manner of farmers' boys. He lent his services 
to his father in clearing the farm and early knew 
what hard work meant. In his fifteenth year he 
started forth to make his own living, and for the 
next three years was employed at $75 a year. 
He then went to Delaware, Ohio, and began serv- 
ing a three-years apprenticeship at cabinet-mak- 
ing, receiving only his board and clothes. For a 
few months he was then employed at Cardington, 
after which he came to this county, and for six- 
teen years worked industriously at his trade in 
Waldo. He then sold out his business and 
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 
this calling he has been very successful, for he is 
thoroughly competent and practical in the man- 
agement of his farm. 

October 16, 1842, Samuel Smith wedded Miss 
Mary G. McWilliams, who was born August 22, 
1821. Two children came to ble.ss their home: 
Noah N., born Augusi 7, 1843; and David, Jan- 
uary 28, 1845. The latter married Catherine Liv- 
ingstone, February 20, 1S68, and had five chil- 
dren; Mary E., born March 25, 1869; Francis 



M,, October 29, 1870: EllaR., September 7, 1872: 
Samuel D., January 24, 1875; and Harry W., 
March 16, iS7,s. 

The devoted wife of our subject was called to 
the silent land January 4, 1.SS7. ,Shc- was a faith- 
ful member of the Baptist Church and remained 
.steadfast in her belief to the last. She was a 
most worthy Christian woman, who readily won 
the affection of all with whom she was thrown in 
contact. Mr. vSmith holds membership with the 
Bapti.st Church of Claridon, with which he has 
long been identified. In politics he uses his right 
of franchise in favor of the Democratic party. 



^ HOMAS P. I';\'ANS owns a valuable home- 
l Q stead in Buck Township, Hardin County, 
v2/ and has been engaged in farming here since 
he started out to make his own livelihood. For 
many years he has been very successful as a buy- 
er, seller and shipper of live stock. His experi- 
ence as an agriculturist covers al)out half a cent- 
ury, forty-five years of which have been passed 
on the farm referred to. 

The father of our subject, David livans, was 
born June 20, 1S13, in Wales. When he was 
three years old he was brought by his father, 
Thomas Evans, across the Atlantic on a sailing- 
vessel, the voyage taking six weeks. They landed 
at Baltimore, whence they proceeded to Gallia 
County, Ohio, and later to Delaware County. 
There the father purchased two hundred acres of 
land in the unbroken forest, on which he built a 
log cabin, 18x20 feet in dimensions, and contain- 
ing only one room. He was killed in 1818, and 
his brother took charge of the place. His wife 
lived until 1859. David Evans married Lovina 
Price, who was born in Union Comity, Ohio, vSep- 
tember 11, 18 16. 

Thomas P. Evans was born March 20, 1845, '" 
Delaware County, Ohio. Of his l)rothers and 
sisters we mention the following: Elizabeth, who 



546 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



was born in 1837, married James Bailey, of Pleas- 
ant Township, who died in 1888; they had seven 
children. Margaret, born in 1839, married P. K. 
Sieg, and died in November, 1888, leaving nine 
children. Bathena married Rev. Ira Richards, of 
Silver Creek, and is the mother of two children. 
Mary became the wife of Thomas J. McElree, 
who died January 2, 1895. Nancy married Ed- 
ward Moy, who died in April, 1889, leaving two 
children. Phcebe is the wife of Charles White, a 
farmer of Allen County, Ohio. Maria died in 
1867, aged nineteen years. William H., a farmer 
of Taylor Creek Township, married Mattie Wiser, 
by whom he has five children. Maud married 
John Jackson, a fanner of McDonald Township, 
and has three children; and four children died in 
infancy. 

In March, 1867, Mr. Evans married Laura 
Tyler, who was born March 7, 1846, and is a 
daughter of John H. and vSalome (Gates) Tyler. 
The father was born November 2, 1793, in Rut- 
land, Vt., and the mother August 13, 1814, in 
Orleans County, N. V. They were married in 
1844, and had three children, of whom Mrs. 
Evans is the eldest. Lydia was born in August, 
1847, and married Morris Mansfield, to whom 
she has borne four children. John J. was born 
March 2, 1850. John H. Tyler died August i, 
1S56, and his wife departed this life February 14, 
1 88 1. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Evans were born six children. 
Salome, born December 14, 1867, was married, 
December 24, 1892, to J. Iv Hannah, a farmer 
of this county; Arthur T., born Februarj- 7, 1869, 
married Avice Garj', and lives iu Buck Town- 
ship; Loah was born January 2, 1871; Asher was 
l)orn August 17, 1872; Gertrude, born Septem- 
ber II, 1874, died April 16, 1888; and Alta 
Maude was born August 7, 1880. 

Soon after his marriage Mr. Evans began farm- 
ing on eighty acres of land which his father had 
given him. About twenty-five acres of this had 
been cleared of timber, and from time to time he 
has added more land to his original farm. In 
18S0 lie purcha.scd forty-two acres, which were 
partially cleared; late in 1882 he bought forty 
acres more; and seven years later purchased an 



additional two hundred and ten acres. Of three 
hundred and .seventy-two acres which he owns, 
all but fifty have been cleared. During the quar- 
ter of a century in which he has been extensive- 
ly engaged in the shipping of horses and cattle, 
he has become widely known. 

Though interested in the success of the Repub- 
lican party, with the welfare of which he is asso- 
ciated, he has never been desirous of holding 
public office, and has never ser\-ed in a public 
capacity. Mrs. Evans belongs to the Methodist 
Episcopal Church of Kenton. 



S'^fiC" 'SKC'iC^ "SSfJ "wRc 'viiS'^TtC 'wK^" "^IC" 



^HOMAS J. UNCAPHER, whose biography 
f C w^e take pleasure in writing, is one of those 
V52/ worthy men who are pursuing the even 
tenor of their waj', and accumulating as the years 
pass by the wherewithal to indulge in luxuries, 
should they feel so inclined. He comes of a fam- 
ily well known in the history of Marion County, 
and at present is living on a good estate on sec- 
tion 33, Big Island Town.ship. 

Our subject was born June 12, 1846, to Jo.seph 
and Rebecca (Stonebarger) Uncapher, natives of 
Pennsylvania and Indiana, respectively. They 
followed the vocation of farmers all their lives, 
and were people highly respected in their neigh- 
borhood. Their family included eight sons and 
daughters. Of the.se, Daniel who lives in this 
countj-, is in the pension and insurance business; 
Isaac is deceased; Silas is engaged in farming in 
this vicinity; Perry is at home with his parents; 
Darius makes his home with his brother John; 
Thomas J., of this sketch, was the next in order 
of birth; John N. was his younger brother; and 
Hiram L. is mentioned on another page in this 
volume. 

Thomas J. Uncapher was married, February 20, 
187 1, to Hannah Simons, who died November 
20, 1880. On the 8th of August of the following 
year, our subject chose for his second companion 
Ida, the adopted daughter of Martha E. Kenyon, 



/ 




l-UlUH'.kKK STUOHIvl, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



549 



of Waldo, this state. Her parents were Jacob 
and Anna (Kenyon) Rose, natives of Ohio Their 
three children were Ida, born September i6, 1862; 
Louelle M., who married William Watson, and 
is now living in Alabama; and Matilda W., who 
became the wife of J. J. Payne, who lives in the 
state of Georgia. 



-m^ 



r"REDERICK STROBEL. Among the var- 
r^ ied and extensive business operations carried 
I on iu this city, there is none that meets with 
more general recognition than that of which our 
subject is superintendent, and which is known as 
the Marion Manufacturing Company. It turns 
out yearly large numbers of threshing-machines 
and steam-engines, and is one of the largest plants 
of this kind in the state. 

Mr. Strobel is a native of this county, and was 
born Januarj- 26, 1850, in Waldo Township. His 
parents, Louis and Riecka Strobel, were both na- 
tives of German}-, and on coming to the New 
World made permanent location on a fine piece of 
land in the above township. On this tract our 
subject spent his boyhood days, gaining a good 
knowledge of agriculture. He attended school 
a few months in each year, but spent most of his 
time in and around his father's sawmill, which 
was located on the estate. In early life he dis- 
played quite an inventive turn of mind, and in 
order that he might develop this talent he entered 
the shops of the Huber Manufacturing Company 
at Marion. He rapidly worked his way up to a 
good position in this establishment, and while 
there invented the threshing-machine which has 
made him famous. In order to place this ma- 
chine on the market, he was aided by the Huber 
Manufacturing Company, with which he contin- 
ued until 18S5. 

In the above year Mr. Strobel organized the 
Marion Manufacturing Company, which makes a 
specialty of turning out threshers and steam-en- 
gines. He was the first President of the concern, 



which from the very first proved to be a great 
money-making enterprise. The company have 
kept adding buildings to their plant until it is 
now (Hie of the largest of the kind in Ohio, and 
the products of the factory are shipped to all 
points in the United States. 

Another of the useful inventions of our subject 
is a washing-machine, for the manufacture of 
which he has built a factory, and he is conducting 
this branch in the business-like and paying man- 
ner which characterizes all his undertakings. He 
retired from the Presidency of the manufacturing 
company some years ago, in order that he might 
give his attention more closel)' to the mechanical 
part of the business, leaving the details of the of- 
fice work to others interested. He has also in- 
vented many other useful machines, which, al- 
though not so well known as the thresher, have 
brought him in handsome returns. He is the 
largest stockholder in the concern, and so success- 
ful is the business that an interest could not be 
purchased at any price. 

Frederick Strobel was married, in 1872, to Han- 
nah Bender, who was born in 1852, and died in 
1884, leaving two children. Flora's decease oc- 
curred at the age of twenty years; and Eddie lives 
with his father. In 1886 Mr. Strobel chose for 
his second companion Lucy Court, of Marion. 
Our subject is serving as a Councilman of the city, 
in which capacity he is giving entire satisfaction, 
as he does in everything with which he is iden- 
tified. 



+- 



---^ 



HENRY CHARLTON. For many years this 
gentleman was intimately associated with 
the development and histor>' of Hardin 
County, where he owned one of the most valu- 
al)le farms of Pleasant Township. His death, 
June 23, 1885, was a great loss, not only to his 
family, but to the people of his community, all of 
whom had found in him a stanch and true friend. 
Of one so long and closely connected with the 



550 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



growth and progress of the township, consider- 
able mention maj' appropriately be made in this 
volnnie, and it is therefore with pleasure that we 
invite the attention of the reader to the following 
account of his lineage and life. 

Near Hagerstown, Md. , the birth of our sub- 
ject occurred Februarj' 28, 1810. His father, 
Thomas Charlton, was an Englishman by birth, 
and was one of two brothers, who about 1795 
emigrated to America together, but separated 
after reaching New York City, and never met 
again. In England he had followed the occupa- 
tion of a farmer, and upon settling in Maryland 
he was similarly engaged. There he married 
Miss Elizabeth Mentzer, a native of Maryland 
and a descendant of German ancestry. Both at- 
tained an advanced age, dying when over ninety 
years old. Their family consisted of ten children, 
of whom Elizabeth, David and Michael are the 
only sur\'ivors. 

The fifth member of the family circle was the 
subject of this notice. At the age of twelve years 
he accompanied his parents from Maryland to 
Columbiana County, Ohio, where he carried on 
his studies in the old-fashioned log schoolhouse 
of the neighborhood until seventeen years old. 
In 183 1 he married Miss Catherine Zimmerman, 
who was born in Columbiana County, and died 
in Crawford County in 1834. Two children were 
born of this union, the only survivor being 
Thomas, a resident of Clinton, 111. 

December 27, 1837, in Kenton, Ohio, Mr. 
Charlton was luiited in marriage with Mi.ss Janett 
Thomp-son, who was born near Xenia, Greene 
County, Ohio, October 11, 1818. Her father, 
Alexander Thompson, was born in Scotland in 
1792, and when sixteen years old came to Amer- 
ica, settling in Greene County, Ohio. At the 
opening of the War of 1812 he cnli.sted in the de- 
fense of his adopted country, becoming a member 
of the company that wintered at Ft. McArthur 
during 1812-13, and .served in the commissary 
department. After the clo.se of the war he went 
to Scotland for his parents, whom he brought 
back with him. About 1S15 he settled in Guern- 
.sey County, thence moved to Greene County, 
and there made his home until 1830. During 



that year he moved to Logan County and settled 
six miles ea.st of Bellefontaine. While there he 
was bereaved by the death of his wife, Mary 
Gaddis, whom he had married in Guernsey Coun- 
ty in the spring of 18 16, and who passed away in 
September, 1833, leaving six children, of whom 
Mrs. Charlton is the eldest. 

From Logan Coimty, in the fall of 1833, -Mr. 
Thompson came to Hardin County and set- 
tled near Ft. McArthur, which at that time was 
not entirely destroyed. Mrs. Charlton remem- 
bers having passed the old burying-ground, where 
had been laid to rest many members of the regu- 
lar army; upon the trees that marked their graves 
were carved the names of the soldiers and the 
dates of their deaths. In 1834 the family moved 
to Kenton, where Mrs. Charlton attended the first 
wedding and the first funeral ever held in the 
village. At that time this now flourishing city 
was a mere hamlet, consisting of three or four 
houses in the mid.st of the woods. 

Shortly after coming to Kenton, Mr. Thompson 
was appointed Clerk of the Court of Common 
Pleas, and while acting in that capacity is.sued 
the fir.st marriage license in the countj'. In May, 
1835, he married Miss Katherine Kennedy. On 
coming to Hardin County he entered a quarter- 
section of land adjoining the village of Kenton, 
and upon that place he made his home until the 
spring of 1S39, when he removed to Wyandot. 
He became the proprietor of a tavern, and re- 
sided in that place until the .spring of 1842, when 
he returned to his farm near Kenton. Five years 
later he moved into the village, and here he re- 
mained until his death, August 6, 1849. Among 
the pioneers of this section he was influential, 
and, being a man of .superior education, was called 
upon to fill the mo.st important local offices. For 
a time he was Associate Judge, and was the first 
to officiate as Postmaster at Kenton. At one 
time he filled nearly all the offices in the county. 

The usual mode of travel in pioneer days was 
on horseback, and the mail was conveyed from 
one village to another in that way. Mrs. Charl- 
ton remembers riding many miles on horseback 
over corduroy roads on the Hull Trail, much of 
the time traveling through swamps. The Hull 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



551 



Trail and tlie Government road from Bellefontaine 
to Findla)- and Perrysburg were almost the only 
roads througli the trackless forests of central 
Ohio. The mother of Mrs. Charlton, Mary Gad- 
dis, wa.s l)orn on the Monongahela River, near 
Pittsburg, Pa., and her parents were life-long 
residents of the Kewstonc f^tate. vShe came to 
Ohio in order to .settle an estate left 1)\- a relative 
at Urbana. While on tliis trip she met Mr. 
Thompson, whom she married, never returning 
to Pennsylvania. 

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Thomp.son consist- 
ed of .seven children, tiamely: Janett; Alexander, 
who died at the age of .seven years; Eveline, Mrs. 
Gilmore, of Kenton; William, a resident of Piano, 
Cal. ; Mrs. Maria Stoiigh, of Crawford County, 
Ohio; Alexander Allen, whose home is in Men- 
docino County, Cal. ; and Walter, who died in in- 
fancy. After his marriage Mr. Charlton settled 
in Kenton, where he remained for a number of 
years. In connection with farming he ran a 
threshing-machine, owning the first implement of 
the kind in Hardin County. In the summer of 
1843 he purchased eighty acres where the family 
residence now stands; he also bought a twenty- 
acre tract adjoining, on which stood a log cabin, 
and in that primitive structure he made his home 
from September, 1843, until January, 1S44. The 
family then moved into a larger cabin, situated on 
the site of the present residence. 

At once after settling here Mr. Charlton began 
the task of clearing the land, and eventually re- 
moved the timber from the entire farm. After- 
wards he purchased twenty acres, making one 
hundred and twenty acres in his homestead. 
This place contimied to be his home until his 
death. A Repulilican in politics, he .served as 
Road Supervisor and vSchool Director, and in 
these, as in all offices to which he was called, he 
rendered thoughtful, painstaking service in be- 
half of the people. In religious belief he was a 
Methodist, having been identified with that 
church from 1842 until his death. His wife and 
her daughter, Miss Elizabeth, are members of the 
Liberty Methodist Church of Pleasant Township, 
in the work of which they take an active part. 
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Charlton consisted 



of ten children. Mary, the eldest, died in infancy: 
Alexaiuler resides on section 18, Pleasant Town- 
ship; Ivlizabeth, who is with her mother, has the 
responsibility of the management of the home, 
and affectionately cares for her mother in her de- 
clining years; Evahne died February 24, 1861, 
aged seven years; George resides on a portion of 
the homestead; Maria is the wife of Isaac vSlagle, 
of whom mention is elsewhere made; Caroline 
and Catherine (twins) died of consumption, the 
former July 21, 18S3, and the latter June 2, 18S4; 
Annie is the wife of James Hamilton, a farmer on 
section 19, Pleasant Township; and Nathan is a 
commercial traveler in the employ of the Buckeye 
Machine Company of Akron, Ohio. 



:£)#G 



QOHN W. MORROW, the genial and popular 
I Postmaster of Ada, Hardin County, is one 
\Z/ of her nati\e .sons. He received the appoint- 
ment to this position of trust and honor, after a 
hard-fought battle for the preference, in April, 
1894. He is discharging his manifold duties in 
such a quiet and faithful manner that even his 
political opponents have only words of praise for 
him. It seems almost needless to say that he is 
an uncompromising and ardent Democrat, be- 
cause he was raised to his present post by the 
standard-bearer of the party, Grover Cleveland. 
In 1886 young Morrow was elected Justice of the 
Peace, and .served very acceptably in that capacity 
during eight years. 

The father of the above-named gentleman, 
James Morrow, was a native of Ireland, and emi- 
grated to the United States in his early manhood, 
about 1834. He settled in Tiffin, Ohio, where 
he dwelt some ten years. In 1844 lis moved to 
Ada, and from that time until his death, which 
event occurred in 1887, made his home there, 
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Ellen 
Sullivan, is also of Irish birth, and is now a resi- 
dent of this village. vShe has had three children, 
of whom our subject is the youngest. Michael 



552 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



is in the insurance business at TiflBn, Ohio; and 
Anna is unmarried and living with her mother. 

J. W. Morrow was born November 24, 1862, 
and passed his bo\-hood on his father's farm, in 
the usual work and play common to that period 
of life. In an educational way he fared much 
better than do manj- farmer lads, for after master- 
ing the rudimentary branches of learning, he at- 
tended the Ohio Normal Universit}- of Ada, and 
there obtained practical instruction on all lines of 
general knowledge. Upon completing his studies 
he taught school successfully for five years. Sub- 
sequently he was in the insurance business sev- 
eral years, and in that venture was also pros- 
pered. In 1889 he helped to organize the Ada 
Building and Loan Association, a most worthy 
enterprise, of which he was Secretary- for four 
years. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights 
of Pythias. 

November 16, 1886, Mr. Morrow married Miss 
Ella Wright, a farmer's daughter, formerly of 
Marseilles, Wyandot County, Ohio. The union 
of this wortlij- couple has been blessed with four 
children, as follows: Elthel L. (who died in in- 
fancy) , Gertrude, Mamie and Maude. Mr. and 
Mrs. Morrow are great favorites in social circles, 
and enjoy the friendship of a large number of ac- 
quaintances. 



(^ 



.^^ 



^•7" 



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I^ 



^ 



Gl KNKST K. SMITH. Numbered among the 
LA (.nter])rising citizens and popular officials of 
/ I Kenton .stands Mr. Smith, who fills the re- 
sponsible position of City Clerk. In addition to 
his duties in that capacity, he is also serving as 
Township Clerk. Active and energetic in public 
affairs, he has always supported the principles of 
the Democratic party, and upon that ticket was 
elected to his present offices. His cour.se in life 
has been such as to commend him to the con- 
fidence of his associates, and he is now numbered 
as one of the representative citizens of Kenton. 



In Washington Township, Hardin County, 
Ohio, the subject of this biographical notice was 
born August 15, i860. His father, Charles F., 
a native of Germany, emigrated from that coun- 
trj- to America, and first settled in Sandusky, 
Ohio, removing thence to Hardin County. By 
trade he is a cabinet-maker and carpenter, but 
for some years his health has been .so poor as to 
preclude active work in any occupation, and he 
is living quietly and in retirement from business 
in the cit)- of Kenton. During the Civil War he 
enlisted in the defense of the Union, becoming a 
member of Company I, One Hundred and Seven- 
ty-fifth Ohio Infantrj-, and serving in the ranks 
until the expiration of his term of enlistment. 
While in active service he lost his hearing, which 
he has never recovered. 

The family of Charles F. and Catherine (Ebert) 
Smith consisted of four sons and two daughters, 
concerning whom we note the following: John C. 
is foreman in the manufacturing shops of John 
Callam in Kenton: George W., a mechanic, re- 
sides in Mobile, Ala.; Charles H., also a mechanic, 
is in the employ of John Callam: Caroline is the 
wife of W. H. Ecles, who is Deputy County Sur- 
veyor of Hardin County; and Ivlla D. is with her 
parents. When the family came to Kenton, 
Arnest F. was a child of six years, and the rudi- 
ments of his education were gained in the com- 
mon schools of this place. The information 
there gained was supplemented by a course of 
.study in the Ohio Normal University at Ada, and 
as he has since continued his reading he is a well 
informed man. 

Upon leaving school Mr. Smith learned teleg- 
raphy, which, however, he followed but a short 
time. Later he was engaged in operating a cigar 
factory in Kenton. His official career began in 
1887, when he was elected City Clerk, and he has 
held that position ever since. In 1889 he was 
chosen Township Clerk upon the Democratic 
ticket. He is recognized as one of the leaders of 
his party in this locality, and has done much to 
secure the election of its candidates and the 
triumph of its principles. 

The marriage of Mr. Sniith, which took place 
in 1887, united him with Miss Laura Kanel. of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



553 



Kenton, daughter of John Kanel. Her mother's 
maiden name was Dritzler. Mrs. Smith has 
spent her entire life in this city, where she is 
popular in social circles and a welcomed guest 
in the best homes of the place. In religious belief 
she is identified with the German Reformed 
Church, and Mr. »Sniith is a contributor to the 
same, though not a member of any denomination. 
Their family consists of three sons and two daugh- 
ters, named as follows: Carl W., Viola Winfred, 
Wanda A., Ivan \'. and an infant son unnamed. 



<y[^.^.^.»^.4.^.^.^.»»4-j^^-4-^»4"i"i"5"i"i-i"i-X> 



GlLEXANDER B. McMURRAY, M. D., a 
r I successful physician of Marion, was born in 
l\ Steubenville, this state, February 25, 1838. 
His literary education was commenced in the 
public schools of that place, and was completed 
in Fredericksburg Academy. \'er>- soon there- 
after he began the study of medicine under the 
instruction of Dr. J. W. Smally and Dr. James 
Martin, both prominent physicians of Fredericks- 
burg, Ohio. When ready to attend lectures, he 
entered Cleveland Medical College, from which 
he was graduated with honors with the Class of 

'71- 

On receiving his degree as Doctor of Medicine, 
our subject at once located for practice in Marion, 
which has been the scene of his operations ever 
since. He at once established a large practice in 
the city and surrounding country, and his ability 
as a physician, and his skill in the diagnosis of dif- 
cult cases, have won for him the confidence of all 
with whom he comes in professional contact. He 
is therefore justly regarded as one of the leading 
practitioners of the county, and as such it gives 
us pleasure to present his biography to our read- 
ers. Dr. McMurray ser\'ed for one term as a 
member of the Board of Education and for four 
terms was a member of the City Council. At this 
writing he meets with the Pension Examining 
Board, of which he is Treasurer. He also belongs 
to the Ohio Medical Society, which body he joined 



in 1879, and also helped to organize the Marion 
County Medical Society, besides being Medical 
Examiner for the Knights of Honor of the city. 
He has also been physician for the County In- 
firmary for the past nineteen years. His brother 
John W. is also a leading practitioner in this 
county, and another brother, Thomas J., is the 
senior member of the McMurray & Fi.sher Sulky 
Company, and of whom the reader will find a full 
sketch elsewhere in this book. 

Dr. A. B. McMurray was married, in i860, to 
Miss Charlotte A. Cramer, of Fredericksburg. 
The lady was the daughter of Henry Cramer, a 
prominent farmer in Lancaster County, Pa. To 
the Doctor and his wife there were born twelve 
children, two of whom are decea.sed. His eldest 
son, James A., is a graduate of the Western Re- 
.serve University of Cleveland, and is now practic- 
ing medicine in partnership with his father; Alex- 
ander P., the second son, is a law student in the 
office of one of the leading attorneys of Marion; 
Herbert was the next-born; and the others living 
are Harriet S., Mary M., Ann E., Bessie G., 
Henrietta, Ethel M. and Mildred. The Doctor 
and the family are members of the Presbyterian 
Church. He is a prominent Knight Templar, 
and has passed through all the chairs of the Odd 
Fellows. 

_1=0# P ' ■ 



(lAMES HARRAMAN is one of the old and 
I respected .settlers of Big Island Township, 
Q) Marion County, having been born on the 
farm n(3W owned by him, and on which he re- 
sides. This place, one of the best that can be 
found in the county, is situated on section 15, 
and in former years was owned by the present 
proprietor's father. 

The gentleman last mentioned, David Har.-a- 
man, Sr., was one of the first to locate in this 
section of the county. He was of New England 
birth, while his first wife, whose maiden name 
was Elizabeth Burnett, was a native of the Key- 
.stone State. They were the parents of the fol- 
lowing children: Mrs. Susan Hopkins, of Union 



554 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



County, Ohio; Charles, David and Sarah, de- 
ceased; James, of this sketch; John and Phcebe, 
deceased; Lydia and Lafayette, who are yet liv- 
ing; and Leonard and Ellen, who have passed 
away. The niotlier died in 1840, and some two 
years later the father married Nancy Reed, by 
whom he had two sons: Wingate, now a farmer 
of Union County, Ohio; and Jesse, who died 
from the effects of a wound received in the late 
war. David Harraman, Sr. , served in the War 
of 1812, and was always noted for his patrioti.sm. 
Bj- trade he was a shoemaker, but farming was 
his main occupation in life. 

James Harraman was born November 21, 1825, 
and was given a good general education and train- 
ing in industrious and thrifty ways. When he 
.started out to make his own way in the world, he 
commenced in a humble manner, gradually work- 
ing upward to a po.sition of honor, influence and 
afBuence. The homestead which he is now en- 
gaged in operating comprises two hundred and 
eighty-two acres, finely improved with substan- 
tial buildings, etc. 

December 27, 1845, Mr. Harraman married 
Abigail Van Fleet, daughter of John and Nancy 
(Brady) Van Fleet, who were natives of New 
York, but of foreign descent. The father was a 
shoemaker by occupation, and was activelj* en- 
gaged in business nearly all of his life. His only 
son, Christopher, is deceased. Mrs. Harraman 
was born March 26, 1827, and is therefore in her 
sixty-ninth year. To herself and husband were 
born the following children: Charles, December 
23, 1846; John, April 10, 1850; Morton, Feb- 
ruary 9, 1852; Colida, March i, 1854; Curtis, 
April 7, 1856; Doris, October 2, 1858; Louisa E., 
Decembers, 1861; James B., Januarj- 2, 1865; 
Edward, November 15, 1866; and Freddie, Feb- 
ruary 18, 1869. Charles, the eldest son, and 
Morton live in this county; Curtis is a resident of 
New York City, as is al.so Edward; James is in 
Terre Haute, Ind.; and Louisa, who lives at 
home, is the mainstay of her parents. Doris died 
September 30, 1864; John, September 12, i860; 
Colida, April iS, i860; and Freddie, January 16, 
1871. 

On political nueslions Mr. Harraman has al- 



ways been a Democrat of the Jeffersonian type, 
but he does not wholly approve of the policy 
adopted by the present administration. He is a 
man of liberal ideas, and is not bound by narrow 
opinions, thus being always open to conviction. 
Personally he is very highly esteemed by all with 
whom he comes in contact. 



-^S 



E^- 



^HE KENTON DEMOCRAT, which is 
I C owned and conducted by Daniel Flanagan 
Viy & Co. , has been brought to a very prosper- 
ous condition by good management in its business 
relations and the exercise of intellectual force and 
tact in its columns. Its pages are well supplied 
with such news of the day as is of general inter- 
est, its local items are carefully selected, and its 
utterances on the issues that are before the people 
are calm, impartial and logical. 

The history of the Kenton Democrat began in 
the year 1844, when it was established by M. H. 
Nichols. In 1866 Daniel Flanagan became the 
proprietor, and under his able supervision the 
paper enjoyed a .steady increase in circulation, 
not only in the city of Kenton, but throughout 
the countj- as well. David S. Fisher published 
the paper during the ten years from Janu- 
ary I, 1875, to January i, 1885. Meantime the 
former editor and proprietor, Daniel Flanagan, 
published the Union /)e//iocrai of Vrbana. Ohio, 
and the Delaware ( Ohio) Herald, the former over 
three years, and the latter more than five years. 
He did not, however, remove his residence from 
Kenton, his family still remaining here. 

On the 1st of January, 1885, Mr. Flanagan re- 
purchased the Democrat plant and office, and as- 
.sociated with him.self as partners Alfred Mathews 
and Thomas J. Flanagan. The proprietors of the 
Democrat own a conveniently arranged and sub- 
stantial two-story brick building for their print- 
ing-office, which is located at the rear of a long 
corner lot on East Franklin Street, six doors from 
the public square. In front of the printing-office 
is an elegant two-.story brick building, eighty-five 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



555 



feet in length, which is used for a book-store and 
for the business and editorial rooms of the office. 
This paper is the only one published in Kenton 
that owns the buildings it occupies. 

Hardin Count}' has ever}- reason to be proud 
of its newspapers, for witli very few exceptions 
the}' are edited by men of superior ability, keen 
discernment of men and measures, impartial 
views on public questions, and broad knowledge 
concerning national and local affairs. Especially 
is this the case with reference to the Dt'iiiocial, 
which may with truth be said to be one of the 
best edited, as it is one of the largest, weeklies of 
Ohio. Being the only Democratic paper pub- 
lished in the count}', it is the recognized organ of 
that party, ever true to its principles and an ear- 
nest advocate of tariff reform. For more than 
fifty years it has represented the Democracy of 
Kenton, and for over half that time it has been 
the official organ of the county. The political 
contests here are usually somewhat exciting, as 
the political parties are about equally divided 
in point of numbers, and elections are very close. 
Under its present management the Democrat is 
doing a prosperous business and claims a circula- 
tion for the weekly of over twenty-three hundred 
copies. 

The daily edition of the paper was established 
in 1893, and has already gained a large circulation 
for a city of the size of Kenton. It is a seven- 
column folio, and has the exclusive franchise of 
the Associated Press and the United Press news 
service. Not without justice, it is regarded as one 
of the best country-town dailies in the state, and 
its increase in popularity and prominence is rapid 
and constant. The editorof the Zvfwwvrt/ is plain 
in his utterances regarding affairs that have a 
bearing on the status of the city or the progress 
of the state and nation, and is quick to discern 
redeeming features in the lives or words of others, 
and equally prompt to give credit where credit is 
due. 

Under the title of "Hardin County's Demo- 
cratic Organ," the following relative to the sub- 
ject of this sketch appears in the "History of Har- 
din County:" "The Deiuocracy of Hardin County 
has had an organ since August i, 1844. On that 



date the paper was started in the interest of James 
K. Polk, the Democratic nominee for President. 
It was called the Kenton Democrat. The press 
and type, bought second hand from Samuel Me- 
dary, of Columbus, one of Ohio's most distin- 
guished Democratic publishers, was hauled from 
that city to Kenton and put in charge of Mathias 
H. Nichols. The first issue of the paper appeared 
August I, 1844, and was called the Kenton Dei?i- 
ocrat. Mr. Nichols published the paper for a 
number of }ears, wlien he abandoned it and re- 
moved to Lima, Ohio, and subsequently repre- 
sented that district in Congress from 1S53 to 
1859. 

"After the removal of Nichols the publication 
of the paper ceased, but about 1848-49 the office 
was again opened up, and the Kenton Herald 
came forth as the organ of the Democracy of 
Hardin County. How long it ran, or who its 
editor was, we are unable to say: but in the Ken- 
ton Republican of August 28, 1850, appears the 
following card: ' Kenton Herald revived! The 
paper that liore this name is about to be re-estab- 
lished. The fromer editor is brought to the res- 
urrection, and with the same old press and types 
will give life, freshness and improved vigor to the 
bantling in a short time. Its friends may assur- 
edly look for its appearance on or about Saturday 
week. Persons wishing to advertise will please 
forward their favors at the earliest convenience. 
Place of publication, probably, in Mr. Copeland's 
new building.' There are no files of any of these 
three pajiers in existence as far as we are aware, 
and the most thorough investigation has failed to 
throw any further light upon the subject. 

' 'Demoo atic Expositor. This was the title of the 
next Democratic sheet, and first issued Friday, 
August 25, 1851, as the lineal successor of the 
Herald. It was published b\- Charles Warner 
and J. B. Atkinson, and the da}' of issue was sub- 
sequently changed to Tuesday. The Expositor 
was a twenty-four column .sheet and claimed to 
be a 'family newspaper, devoted to politics, liter- 
ature, art, science, agriculture, morals, education, 
amusements, foreign and domestic news, markets, 
etc. ' Its price was $1 .50 per year in advance, and 
it was published about a year and a-half 



556 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



' ' The Nor' wester. The Expositor was succeeded 
hy the Nor' wester, which was first issued Satur- 
day, April 9, 1853, by Will Toinlinson, formerly 
of the Georgetown Standard. It was the same 
sized sheet as its predecessor and presented a com- 
mendable appearance. On the 24th of August, 

1854, Ezra Williams became the owner and pub- 
lisher, and September 2 the name of A. S. Ram- 
sey appeared at the head of its columns as editor, 
and thus remained until February 24, 1855, when 
he retired and Mr. Williams edited the paper alone. 
The name of the paper was changed, April 7, 

1855, to Wk Western Courier, viiXh 'E Pluribiis 
Uniitn' as its motto. In 1856 another change 
took place, the paper apjiearing as the Kenton 
Democrat and Courier. Mr. Ramsey again as- 
sumed the editorial charge, and it ran until early 
in 1857, when it, too, cea-sed to exist. All of 
these papers were Democratic. 

"The Hardiii County Democrat. No. i, vol. I, 
of this paper appeared Saturday, February 21, 
1857. It was published by J. E. Mumford and 
edited by Ju.stus C. Stevens, was thoroughly 
Democratic in politics, and was a well conducted 
newspaper. It was a twenty-four column sheet. 
On the 29th of Augu.st, 1857, J. C. Stevens be- 
came owner of the Democrat, and he and L. T. 
Hunt were its editors. From October 17 to De- 
cember 26 of that year, the paper was not issued, 
but on the latter date it appeared under the owner- 
ship of C. S. and William Myers, with Stevens & 
Hunt editors. The Democrat was enlarged to 
twenty-eight columns, May 8, 1858, and other- 
wise much improved. Soon afterward Stevens & 
Hunt became owners of the paper, and remained 
as .such from June 12 until Augu.st 28, 1858, at 
which time A. S. Ramsey purchased it. He con- 
tinued to publish it until the issue of Friday, 
February 8, i86i,when O. IJ. Hai)per.setl's name 
appears as editor and proprietor. Mr. Happer- 
sett had been editor of the Urbana Free Press and 
bought the Democrat from Mr. Ram.scy, whose 
well trained mind and ability as a writer had 
greatly enhanced tlie value and influence of the 
paper. 

"O. \i. and J. C. 1 lappL-rsetl luililished the 
Democrat under the firm name of Happersett 



Bros. , with the former as editor. With the issue 
of August 8, 1862, the senior partner, O. B. Hap- 
persett, retired from the firm, selling his interest 
to William H. Munnell, and the firm appeared 
as Munnell & Happersett, editors and proprietors. 
J. C. Happersett severed his connection with the 
paper December 5, 1862, selling out to Mr. Mun- 
nell, who thus became sole owner. Mr. Muiniel 
operated the paper as editor and proprietor until 
September 4, 1863, when he sold out to Colonel 
Pike, of the Hillsboro Gasette, O. C. Wheeler as- 
suming charge as editor and publisher. This 
was during the gubernatorial campaign between 
Brough and Vallandigham, which was perhaps 
the most exciting period in the history of the 
state. The Democrat adopted as its editorial 
motto, 'The Constitution as it is; the Union as 
it was; Vallandigham and Liberty,' which re- 
mained throughout the campaign. 

"In August, 1864, A. S. Ramsey took charge 
q{ ihe Detnocrat after it had ceased publication 
for some time, and continued as editor and pro- 
prietor until April, 1865, when he di.sposed of it 
to Charles L. Zahm, who at once assumed entire 
control. After running nearly a year Zahm con- 
cluded that a change of name would help the 
paper; so in March, 1866, it was issued under the 
title of the Democratic Advocate, but in December 
circumstances compelled him to sell out. 

"Daniel Flanagan purchased the concern De- 
cember 13, 1866, and soon afterward began the 
publication of the Kenton Democrat (vol. i, new 
.series), with the motto 'Equal and exact justice 
to all, special privileges to none. ' It was a twenty- 
eight-colunni paper, issued everj- Thursday at 
$2 per year. Thus the Democrat contimied with 
slight change until March 9, 1871, at which 
time vol. vi began with an entire new outfit of 
presses, types, etc., and enlarged to a thirty-two- 
coiumn sheet, while greatly improved in every 
way. It is now a paper of large dimension, ably 
and creditably conducted and edited. It will not 
be out of place to state here that Mr. Flanagan 
purchased the paper for the sum of $500 (which 
is all it was worth) and sold it for more than 
$7,000 eight years later. By his ability as a 
writer and his shrewd business management he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



557 



brought the paper up from absolute worthless- 
uess until it was regarded as one of the best con- 
ducted county papers in this portion of Ohio, at- 
taining an influence in the party and a financial 
success most gratifying to its owner. 

"On the ist of January, 1875, David S. Fisher 
l)ouglit out Mr. Flanagan. He had been the ed- 
itor and publisher of the Allen County Democrat for 
about fifteen years prior to this time, and brought 
to the aid of his new enterjirise a wide experience 
and a well grounded knowledge of the business. 
He changed the name of tlie paper to tlie Hardin 
County Democrat, tluis going back to the title 
adopted in February, 1S57. It was enlarged to 
a thirty-six-column sheet, and came forth in an 
entire new dress, bearing at its head the following 
motto; ' A family journal, devoted to literature, 
news, agriculture and the dissemination of Dem- 
ocratic principles.' It is looked upon as one of 
the leading Democratic newspapers of northwest- 
ern Ohio. The ofhce of the Democrat v&vc^ ^'xlh. 
the times, all its furnishings being of a first-class 
order, while neatness, punctuality and dispatch 
pervade the whole establishment." 



=^>-^^<^^^— ^- 



EHALMERS C. McLAUGHIJN, M. D., is 
one of the mo.st popular and practical mem- 
bers of the medical fraternity in Hardin 
County. Since entering upon his professional 
work, he has been located in the village of Dun- 
kirk, where he stands high in the estimation of 
all. He comes from a long line of ancestors dis- 
tinguished in the higher walks of life, and has 
undoubtedly inherited nmcli of his ability. 

The Doctor's father, Robert McLaughlin , wlio 
was also a physician, was a native of Columbiana 
County, Ohio, born in 18 18, and for more than 
half a century stood in the front ranks of his pro- 
fession. He was a member of the Ohio Medical 
Society and a leading Mason, and died in Butler, 
Ohio, in May, 1890. His father, who bore the 
Christian name of Jeremiah, was a native of the 



North of Ireland, but at an early day settled in 
Virginia, later locating in Columbiana County. 
Three of liis brothers, Daniel, WilHam and Rob- 
ert, were soldiers in tlie War of 1S12, and the 
whole family were ver\- prominent in the Presby- 
terian Church. A son of Jeremiah, who bore the 
same name, was a doctor, and engaged in practice 
until his death, in 1855. 

Robert McLaughlin married Margaret Martin, 
who was born in Columbiana County, and was the 
daughter of Hon. John Martin, who represented 
Columbiana and Stark Counties in the State Legis- 
lature from 1846 to 1848. He was of Scotch de- 
scent, and was a wealthy man. The only daugh- 
ter of Robert McLaughHn died in childhood. His 
son J. M. is engaged in medical practice at But- 
ler, Ohio, and another son, J. D., is a druggist at 
Bettsville, Ohio. The mother died in 1884. 

Dr. C. C. McLaughlin was born in Liberty, 
Knox County, Ohio, July 27, 1858. His studies 
were pursued in the pubUc schools, and in the 
Presbyterian Academy at Levering. It was his 
father's ambition to have him take up legal pur- 
suits, and he accordingly offered to pay his way 
through any college that he might select with 
that end in view. This did not meet with our 
subject's approval, however, as lie had a decided 
taste for the calling which he afterward adopted. 
This difference of opinion caused a temporary 
estrangement between the two, the father refus- 
ing to lielp the young man in the acquisition of a 
medical education. Nothing daunted, but placed 
on his mettle, he earned the necessary funds him- 
self, and in the winters of 1878-79 and 1880-81 
attended lectures at Starling Medical College, 
graduating therefrom in the .spring of 1881. He 
wisely selected Dunkirk as the scene of his future 
career, and has here met with gratifying success. 

An enthusiastic Mason, the Doctor is now serv- 
ing his second term as Master of Dunkirk Lodge, 
which was established largely through his efforts. 
He was made a member of the order in 1883, at 
Forest, Ohio, and has now taken the Knight- 
Templar degree, belonging also to the command- 
ery at Lima. 

May I, 1890, Dr. McLaughlin married Ella 
Breen, who was formerly a successful school- 



558 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



teacher. He is a member of the Ohio and the 
American Medical Societies, and in politics is a 
Democrat, but does not aspire to official distinc- 
tion, preferring to devote his entire time to his 
constantly increasing practice. 



+ ■■ ■« 



Gl XDREW LEFFLER, Throughout Marion 
/ 1 County no resident is better or more favor- 
/ I ably known than the gentleman whose name 
introduces this sketch. Although engaged as a 
butcher in the city of Marion, he adds to this 
business that of buying stock, which latter line 
he carries on extensively. He is highly success- 
ful in his various enterprises, and is now one of 
the leading business men in Marion. 

Our subject was born in Baden, Germany, 
August 7, 1840. Coming to America in 1854, 
when a lad of fourteen years, he remained for a 
time in New York, and very soon after continued 
his westward way until reaching Marion Coun- 
ty. Being obliged to assist in farm work, his ed- 
ucation was very much neglected, although he 
took advantage of every opportunity given him 
to become well informed. 

In 1859 young Leffler engaged in the butcher^ 
business, but his efforts in this direction were in- 
terrupted by the call for volunteers to enter the 
service of the Union army. He at once enlisted 
in Company D, Eighty-second Ohio Infantry, and 
with his regiment marched to the front. While 
participating in the battle of McDowell, in West 
X'irginia, he was wounded in the right leg, which 
rendered him luifit for further service, and he was 
therefore honorably discharged. After his return 
to Marion it was some time before he could again 
conduct his business, but when fully recovered, 
however, he again engaged as a butcher, and this 
business he has followed ever since. He is also 
one of the largest stock-dealers in the county, and 
uses all that he buys in his own market, smoking 
and packing his own meals. 



Andrew Leffler has by no means been behind 
hand in supporting enterprises which are to ben- 
efit the city, and in addition to the combined 
business already mentioned, he was one of the 
original .stockholders of the Marion Maiuifactur- 
ing Company. He comes of a family which has 
been very prominent in this vicinity, a history of 
which will appear in the sketch of his brother 
Godfried, on another page. 

In 1865 Mr. Leffler married Miss Mary Eber- 
hart, who was born in Marion County, June i, 
1842. To them were born ten children, of whom 
eight are living, namely: Jane, now the wife 
of John Pruet, al.so engaged as a butcher in Ma- 
rion; Frank, following the business of his father 
at Green Camp: Harrison, Edward and Hariy, 
all of whom are employed by their father in his 
exten.sive bu.siiiess operations; and Florence, El- 
mer and Emil, who are at home. 

In religious affairs our subject is a prominent 
and influential member of the German Lutheran 
Church, and for a period of twelve years was an 
office-holder in the congregation at Marion. In 
politics he uever fails to cast a vote in favor of 
Democratic candidates. 



QENJAMIN p. PU'LINP;, an honored resi- 
r7\ dent of Cessna Town.ship, Hardin County, 
\J has lived on the farm which he now culti- 
vates for the past twelve years. The estate com- 
prises one hundred and twenty acres, in addition 
to which Mr. Euline owns a two-thirds interest in 
his father's old farm. He is a practical and en- 
terprising business man, and has been very suc- 
cessful in his varied undertakings. 

Benjamin Euline, grandfather of Benjamin P., 
was born in Virginia, but took up his abode in 
Pennsylvania at an early day. Later he moved 
to Coshocton County, Ohio, and about 1830 drove 
acro.ss the country to Hancock County, and a 
year afterward became a citi/en of Washington 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



559 



Township, this county. He bought eighty acres 

of Government land, paying therefor $1.25 per 
acre. 

John P., son of Benjamin Kuhne, Sr., was born 
in Columbus, Ohio, July 18, nSiS, being one of 
eight children. His mother bore the maiden 
name of Elizabeth Wolford. He was set to work 
at an early age, and whan in his nineteenth year 
started out on his own account. At the rate of 
$10 per acre he cleared ten acres of the land on 
which Dunkirk now stands, and also worked on 
the canal running through Columbus. After his 
marriage he engaged in operating a saw and grist 
mill near Huntersville for a few years. Subse- 
quently he purchased land in Washington Town- 
ship, and cultivated the same until 1862, when he 
came to this locality, buying one hundred acres 
on section 12. There he departed this life March 
I, 18S7, and his remains were interred in Grove 
Cemetery at Kenton. He was a good Republican, 
and held numerous local offices, among them be- 
ing Trustee and Constal)le. In 1842 he married 
Elizabeth Lynch, who was born in Coshocton 
County, August 7, 1825. She became the moth- 
er of three children: Hannah E., born in 1844, 
the wife of George W. Darst, ex-Sheriff of 
this county, and now policeman at the State House 
in Columbus; Benjamin P., of this sketch; and 
Emma E., born Se|)tember 15, 1849. The last- 
mentioned, who was the wife of Conrad Reynolds, 
died in 1867. The mother died May 22, 1891. 

Our subject was born in Mariini Township, 
October 26, 1S47, and was reared on a farm. 
When about fifteen 3'ears of age he came to this 
township and here grew to manhood. When he 
was twenty-four years of age he purchased eighty 
acres of land, and continued to manage the old 
farm in conjunction witli his later acquisition. 
In 1883 he removed to his present home. 

November 7, 1872, Mr. Euline married Rachel 
O. Cessna, who departed this life March 10, 1875. 
Their only child, Cora li., died in infancy. On 
Christmas Day, 1878, Mary Iv Smith, a native 
of Fayette County, Ohio, became Mrs. Eidine. 
They have no children of their own, but have tak- 
en a little girl to care fur, who came to them 
when one ^•ear old. 



For the past two years Mr. Euline has been 
Chairman of the Republican party of Cessna 
Town.ship, and has held the office of Constable 
for a like period. He was also Asse.ssor for one 
year and Town Clerk for three years, besides 
holding different school positions. Religiou.sly 
Mr. and Mrs. Euline are Methodists, and the for- 
mer is Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He 
has been a Class- Leader and Steward in the con- 
gregation, and is always liberal in his donations 
to worthv charities. 



30HN C. RAINSBl'RG, one of the worthy 
residents and old settlers of Lynn Township, 
Hardin County, has been engaged in farm- 
ing on the place which he now occupies for twen- 
ty-one vears, and in a large measure has tieen 
blessed with success in his undertakings. He 
carries on general farming, and is well known 
and respected by the pioneers of the county. 
A very attractive and connnodious residence 
adorns his place. 

Our subject was born on a farm in Carroll 
County, Ohio. January 27, 1827, to William and 
Margaret ( Maxwell ) Rain.sburg. When he was 
two and a-half months old the parents moved to 
Holmes County, this state, where our .subject was 
reared, and after obtaining his education in the 
common schools aided his father in the work ol 
carrying on the farm. 

July 7, 1S50, John C. Rainsburg was married 
to Catherine McKnight. Three years later they 
left the old homestead on which they were resid- 
ing and took up their abode in Lynn Township, 
Hardin County, on a sixty-acre tract of land lo- 
cated near their present estate. This he im- 
proved and cultivated in a very profitable manner 
for a great many years, and b\- industry and fru- 
gality added to the same until it comprised (pute 
a large tract. 

During the War of the Rebellion John C. Rains- 
burg volunteered his ser\-ices to the Union army, 
but was not accepted on account of disability. In 



56o 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



early life he was a Whig, but after the organiza- 
tion of the Republican party he joined its ranks 
and voted for its candidates until a number of 
years ago, since which time he has been a stanch 
supporter of Democratic principles. During the 
war he was chosen and elected Clerk of Lynn 
Township, serving for a period of two terms. He 
has also filled the positions of Township Tru.stee 
and Assessor. 

Kight children were born of the union of our 
subject and Miss McKnight, namely: Sarah, 
John, Thomas (deceased), Margaret, William, 
James, Robert and David. Margaret is now the 
wife of George W. Thomas, a farmer of Lynn 
Township; William is al.so farming in this local- 
ity; Robert is an agriculturist; and David, a tele- 
graph operator, lives in Kan.sas. 

Mrs. Catherine Rainsburg departed this life in 
1872, and August 7, 1S74, our subject was mar- 
ried to Charlotte Wilkin, also a native of Carroll 
County, this state. Their union has also been 
blessed by the birth of eight sons and daughters, 
all of whom are still under the parental roof 
They are named, respectively, Cypherd, Ella, 
Archibald, Tena, George, Mina, Melvin and 
Charles. 

In our subject the public schools have a friend, 
and it is one of his chief desires that his children 
may be well educated. His life has been upright 
and his example is well worthy of emulation. 



HENRY .SCIIINDEWOLE, one of the most 
enterprising and public-spirited citizens of 
Ada, Ohio, has been in business here during 
the past twenty years and over. In 1889 he as- 
sisted in organizing the Ada Building and Loan 
Association, and is now one of the Directors of 
the same. Besides this, he is a stockholder in the 
Ada Bank. He owns nuich valuable property, 
besides a beautiful home in the village, and lends 
his aid to whatever tends to promote the good of 
the conununity in which he has so long resided. 
The father of our subject was a farmer and ho- 



tel-keeper in his native land, Prussia. He died 
when Henry was but seven years of age, and 
therefore he has little recollection of a father's 
protection and care. The mother was Julia Ries 
before her marriage. Her brother, Philip Henry, 
.served in the capacity of Mayor of a city in his 
native land, as did also his father before him. 
The good lady departed this life in 1885, at the 
ripe old age of eighty years. 

Our subject is one of five sons, and he also had 
three sisters. Philip is a farmer in the vicinity 
of Kenton; William, who .served in the Civil 
War, is a leading business man of Kenton, and 
Treasurer- elect of Hardin County; George re- 
mained in Prussia, and is operating the old home 
place. He fought in twenty-one battles during 
the Prussian and French War in the early '70s. 
The sisters have all been called to the silent land. 

Henry Schindewolf was born in Prussia, Jan- 
uary 18, 1838, and grew up in his native place. 
Until he was fourteen years old he attended the 
excellent schools common to the Fatherland. 
When he had arrived at a suitable age he began 
learning the tailor's trade, at which he ser\-ed an 
apprenticeship of three years, furnishing his own 
clothes and paying the sum of $50 be.sides. Then 
until 1866 he was employed as a journeyman in 
his birthplace. In the year just mentioned he 
sailed for America, and soon located at Kenton. 
Later he went to Cincinnati, in which city he was 
employed until he concluded to cast in his lot with 
the inhabitants of Ada. Since 1869 he has been 
in business here, meeting with good success, and 
four years after opening a .store he added ready- 
made clothing, hats and gentlemen's furiii.shing 
goods. 

In 1874 our subject was married to Margaret 
Sleiner, of Kenton. Their tniion has been bles.sed 
with four children. The only son, Karl, died 
when three and a-half years old; Helena is a 
graduate of the union .schools; and Florence and 
Edna are attending school. The family are reg- 
ularly to be .seen in their places at the Lutheran 
Church, to which our subject belongs. In his 
political belief he is independent, though the 
Republican party comes the nearest to meeting 
his views, and thus usually receives his support. 



ikM&^u^ — =* 



' ^^C>t90a^vy^ 



,^-^- «_,afiSjttil«'L 






:'fV •+•% + + 'j. + + + + 4. i>. _5^< 

w # INDEX. # -^■- '■■"'•' 

i...t .+„A,.t.*****-t«*..i..t .••«.-lv.T.,.t,.t.. A .->-.,.t,.*.t.-,*.t,.t«.t. A4r.T,.t«A*,.r,.>,. . i,. t r + 







5T^- 



Adams, Johu 23 

Adams. Johu Q 39 

Ahlefeld, Albert G 317 

Armstroug. George W 285 

Aruold, Eugene S 287 

Arthur. Chester A 99 

Augeustein, Dauiel 229 

Ault, Hiram M 183 

Aye. William S 163 



Baiu, Frank D . M. D 268 

Bain. Hon. John 123 

Baker. James M 371 

Barnhart. Henry M 181 

Bastable. James 503 

Baughmau, David 174 

Beagle. Eli 511 

Beale. Johu S 523 

Belt. Rev. r.eroy A 317 

Belt, William A., M. D 197 

Bish, William 345 

Bowen, Albertis C ,■^39 

Bower, John A 439 

Bower, t,e\'i 419 

Brittou. James 119 

Brocklesby, William T 497 



Brown, William H 516 

Buchanan . James 75 

Burke, Morgan E 321 

Burns, Rev. James A 474 

Burtsfield, John 324 



Callani,John 351 

Campbell, Ezra 342 

Campbell, John 490 

Campbell, Rev. Z. B 493 

Cautwell, Thomas J 216 

Carothers. Samuel H 391 

Carr. William 511 

Carter. G. J., M. D 479 

Casper, Johu M 324 

Castor, Rev. George B 243 

Cessna. George 282 

Cessna, Zaccheus 333 

Charlton. Henry 549 

Cheney. A. E 498 

Claypool, Jesse 484 

Cleveland, S. Grover..... .. .103 

Cliffe, Daniel B 279 

Cline, William H 420 

Collins, J. L 540 

Colwell. N. H 222 

Couley. Hon. Edmund 250 

Cooney, Squire 271 

Cooney, William H 506 

Cooper. Charles J 289 

Cope, Joshua 522 



Copelaud. Joshua. M. D. . 133 

Cotterill, William 344 

Court. George 329 

Cowan. Joseph 1S7 

Crawford. George 1S4 



Davidson. James M 178 

Davis, John J 198 

Davis, William H iSS 

Deerwester. Johu 290 

Delauder, Lawson H 298 

De^■ore. James W., M. D... .314 

Devore, San ford 469 

Dickerson. Milton B 145 

Dickinson. Henry K 492 

Dickinson, Thomas J 523 

Dieterich, Philip 215 

Draper. Robert McC 296 

Drum. Charles B 4S0 

Dudley. Hon. John S 335 



Ebhardt. John A 228 

Edsell, Harry 483 

Emerj-. James 15S 

Hmer>-, Willard C. M. D.. .386 
Espy, Thomas 3S7 



Eulme, Benjamin P .558 

Evans. John i.si 

Evans, Thomas P 54.S 

Everett. Gen. T 2P1 



Feaster, Henr>' P., M. D.. .455 

F'etter. George 215 

Fetter, Johu 135 

Fillmore. Millard 67 

Fliun. John W 374 

Foil, John 352 

Foos, John A 35A 

Fryer, David F 513 

Fulton. Albert H 292 



Garberson . Joh n R 32 1 

Garfield, James A 95 

Garwood. Feuton 435 

Gerlach. Adam W 37S 

Gerlach, Christopher 467 

Gerlach. Johu 235 

Gerlach, John C 413 

Gerlach. Nicholas 353 

Gerlach, I'lrich..- 4"7 

Given. Alexander 533 

Given, Hon. Frank 211 



INDEX. 



Glathart, Christian 249 

" Gordon. John 312 

Gossard, William H 406 

GrafmiUer. Andrew 350 

Grant. Squire 463 

Grant. nyssesS 87 

Gray. David Jo6 

Gray. John F 136 

Griffis. Johu.\ 343 

Gniber. John H 148 

Gnther>-. Hon. John D 299 

Gulhery. Upton K 473 



H 



Habcrman. Frederick 227 

Hahn, Charles. M. D 412 

Hall. William 236 

Hamilton, George H 393 

Hamilton. I,. D.. M. D 176 

Harding. Warren G 279 

Harraraan. James 553 

Harrison, Benjamin 107 

Harrison. William H 51 

Hatcher. Lot 1 398 

Hatfield. Kmanucl 277 

Hayes. Rutherford B 91 

Head.WrightR .Vjo 

Hedrick, James S.. M. D. . .514 

Heilman. John U 218 

Henkle. John D 420 

Hibncr. Adam 404 

Highslip, Andrew 376 

Hill. Hamilton 323 

Hill. Harley J 203 

Hinkliu. W. H., M. D 445 

Hipsher. Lemma 196 

Hipsher. Zacchens \V 240 

Hites. John 39* 

Hivcly, David 441 

Hogan, John 230 

Hopkins, Archibald 407 

Horn. Richard H 178 

Houscr, Anthony 268 

Howe, Gen. James C 520 

Howser. Jacob 372 

Huber. Edward 131 

Hubcr, Frank A 456 

\ Hudson, Samuel 194 

' Hudson, Thomas G 429 

Hull, William E 207 

Hunter, Ezekiel 223 



Jackson, Andrew 43 

J.icluon, Evan McD 503 



Jackson , Heaton 373 

Jacoby, Michael 214 

Jefferson. Thomas 27 

Johnson, .\ndrew 83 

Johnson, William B 328 

Jones, Andrew D s.-is 

Jones, Benton K,, M, D 491 

Jones, John M 388 

Jordan, Charles C 519 



Kannel, John H 122 

Kanzig, Jacob 408 

Keel, George W 360 

Kelly, William A 295 

Kennedy, James W 430 

Kennedy, William K 16S 

Kenton Democrat, The. . . .554 

Kindle, Marnan M 489 

King, George T 155 

King, George W 191 

King. Samuel H 524 

Kohler Heur>C 195 

Kraner, John W 260 

Krisher, Jeremiah 368 

Krout, John 1 342 

Kurt, JohnU 24S 



Latham, Royal S 185 

Leffler, Andrew 558 

Lcfflcr. Charles W 265 

Leffler, (jodfried 311 

Leniert. Charles C 349 

Leonard, James H 125 

Lincoln. Abraham 79 

Lindsay. Oliver 205 

Loeffert, Henry 355 

Louthan. Capt. James W.. .270 
Lowery. James 542 



McCall. Thomas 477 

McClaren. William J 402 

McCoppin. Ellsworth E iss 

McCoy. James N 319 

McDonald, John 372 

McElvy, John 449 

McKinlcy. William 362 

McKinstry, Matthew 510 

Mclaughlin. C. C, M. D. .,';.S7 

McMurray. A. B., M. D 553 

McMurray. Thomas J 488 

Mnddox, D. S.. M. D 306 

Madison. James 31 

Marsh. James F 543 

Martin, Abel 468 



Mathews. Bernard 313 

Merchant, John T 144 

Mcrriman, Lewis 367 

Messenger, Hon. Everett.. 171 

Meyer. Morris 340 

Millar, Ellis L 253 

Miller, Matthew G 272 

Miller, Obadiah 208 

Milligan, John K 382 

Mitchell. Charles 457 

Mitchell, Joseph 237 

Monnette, Oliver 137 

Monroe. James 35 

Morris, Joseph 202 

Morrow, James 224 

Morrow. John W 551 

Monser, Grant E 462 

Mouser, Justus A.. ^L D. . .120 

Moy. Edward 353 

Munson. A. W., RL D 14! 

Murphy. Daniel W 427 



Neidhart. George 2.54 

Nesbitt. Henr>' W 154 

Neville, William M 470 

Norton, William .K 201 



Ochs. W. J.. 
Ohler. Willi! 
Osbun. Elm 



Pangborn Joseph D 118 

Patterson. John C 365 

Patterson. Williani D 360 

Paulncci. Joseph 161 

Pearce. John M 121 

- Pfeiffer, John G., Sr 381 

Pfeiffer, Lewis 256 

Pfeiffer. Samuel .500 

Pierce. Franklin. 71 

Pister, Rev. Jacob 204 

Poe, Andrew 147 

Polk. James K 5^ 

Ponimert. Christian 202 

Porter, I-reeman 452 

Porter. James T 246 

Powell. Prof. Arthur .^oi 

Preston. Robert. Jr 307 



Rainsburg. John C 559 

Ranney, Alberts 233 



Rapp, William C 173 

Rarcy, Nicholas 456 

Raub, William L 402 

Rayl, Alfred L 442 

Rcid, Simon A 330 

Rlioads. George 125 

Rhoads, Milton H 15S 

Rhu, Auguste, M, D .^32 

Rice, John 239 

Richardson, Jasper N ,J47 

Riffol, George 531 

Riley, Elias E 346 

—Robinson, Charles W 423 

Rogers, John A. M. D 275 

Rosbrook, George 425 

Rosencrans. Solomon F 253 

Runser, Andrew 266 

Runser, Charles W 278 

Runser, Robert W 305 

Rutledge, Benjamin W 186 

Rutledge. George W 482 

Rutledge, Samson M 127 



Sager, Henrj- W., M. D ,s4i 

Schaaf, Jacob A 446 

Schindewolf. Hcnrj* 560 

Schwemmer, John 395 

Scott, Isaac K., M. D 411 

Seymour. John B 428 

Sieg, Paul K 247 

Siegel, Richard 336 

Simpson, George W 499 

Slagle. Francis B 401 

Slagle, Isaac 135 

Slagle, Jacob 143 

Sloan, John J 439 

Sloan, Joseph 239 

Sloan, Robert 489 

Sloan, Thomas 126 

-Smith, Arnest F 552 

finiith, De Witt C, M, D. .308 

Smith. Ephraim E 375 

-Smith. James K 414 

.^ftmith. John 172 

-Smith. John C 327 

^Sniith. Nathan 450 

— Smith, Samuel 544 

^mith, William D 464 

Snodgrass, Jesse. M. D 436 

Southard. Robert W 448 . 

Spiece, Louis 280 

Sponsler, Alvin J 458 

Sponsler. Jacob M 487 

Stansell. Joseph A., M. D. .334 

Steiner. Benjamin 261 

Steiner. Martin 424 

Stevenson, Homer P 385 

Stevenson, William W 192 

Stewart, Samuel 175 

Slrelitz, Henry 182 

Slrobel, Frederick .S49 

Strong, Luther M 117 

Stroupe. William S 498 

Stuck, William 165 



INDEX. 



Sutteu, Rev. Jeremiah 529 

Swallow, George W 472 

Sweuey, Diisby P 478 



Taylor, Amos 364 

Taylor, Zachary 6,1 

Terry, Joseph 262 

Thomas, Joha H 461 

Thomas, Rev. Welling E. . ..lis 

Thoir asson , Albert 526 

Thompson. Madison M .szg 

Thomp.son, Thomas 128 

Thomson. Metellus 405 

Tidd, CharlesS 167 

Timmons. Joseph .^ig 

Tracv, William M 123 



Tressel, John t,i2 

Tyler, John .s.s 

Tyson, I.. B., M. D 531 



W 









21-1 






Waddel, Michael 


.4SI 






Waddel, William 


jSi 


Uncapher, Hiram I 


■■ -S.M 


Walker, Gen. Moses B.... 


■4.y 


Uncapher, John A 


■ -403 


Wallace, Andrew J 


• 2,1.1 


Uncapher. John O 


• ■■19.^ 


Washburn, Howard E. . . . 


.224 


Uncapher, Thomas J.. . 


...546 


Washburn, Ozias 


• 177 






Washington, George 


■ 19 






Webb, Nathan H 


■.l22 


V 




Weir, Samuel 


.2-,8 




Weist, Philip 


• 2-,'; 






Wells, Winfield S., M. D. 


•.SO.S 






Welsh, Agnew 


..229 


Van Muren, Martin 


... 47 


Weston, Willis E 


417 


Vassar. Thomas 


. . • 2.S9 


Wikoff. diaries W 





Williams, Andrew M 405 

Willsou. Jehu R 245 

Wilson, Hazard H 377 

Wilson, Joseph V 534 

Winter. W. P., M . I) .366 

Wolf, Frederick 302 

Wolford. J. A .396 

Wood, James M., M. D 157 

Wood, Pearl 194 

Woodard, Marcellus S 28.S 

Wyhe, William 166 



Young, Hon. Boston O 320 

Young. Heurj- 2S1 

Young, John 234 

Young, William H 265 



PORTRAITS. 



'Adams, John 22 

Adams, John Q 38 

- Ahlefeld, Albert G 316 

k- Armstrong, George W 2S4 

■Arthur, Chester A 98 

^ Baker, James M 370 

■ Harnhart, Henry M 180 

; Brocklesby, William 496 

Buchanan, James 74 

'' Carothers. Samuel H 390 

i- Castor. Rev. George B 242 

' Cessna, Zaccheus 332 

' Cleveland, S. Grover 102 

1- Evans, John 150 

' Eea.ster, Henry P., M. D... .4.S4 

( Fillmore, Millard 66 

< Garfield, James A 94 



^ Gerlach, Christopher 466 

tliven. Hon. Frank 210 

1 Grant, Ulysses S 86 

' Habernian , Frederick 226 

'Harrison, Benjamin 106 

1 Harrison, William H ,so 

> Hayes. Rutherford B 90 

t Hinklin, W. H , M. D ... 444 

^Hiiber. Edward 130 

■' In-ine, James ,so8 

Jackson, Andrew 42 

Jefferson. Thomas 26 

; Johnson, Andrew 82 

Kelly, William A 294 

*'King, George W igo 

. Leffler, Charles W 264 



I.effler, Codfried 310 

'l^eniert, Charles C 34S 

'Lincoln, Abraham 78 

/ Madison, James 30 

^ McCall, Thomas 476 

'Messenger. Hon. Everett.. 1 70 

'Millar, Ellis I, 2,';2 

; Monroe, James 34 

* Munson, A. \V., M. D 140 

-Norton, William A 200 

•- Ochs, W. J 338 

•^aulucci, Joseph 160 

' Pfeiffer, John G., Sr 3S0 

■ Pfeiffer, Mrs. Marj- A 380 

; Pierce, Franklin 70 

Polk, James K 58 



'Ranuey, Albert S 232 

'Robinson, Charles W 422 

■ Robimion, Mrs. Emma L.. .422 

'Rogers, John A., M. D 274 

' Slagle, Francis B 400 

.Sloan, John J 4,,S 

I Sponsler, Jacob M 4S6 

•• Strobel, Frederick ,';4S 

^Strong, Luther M 116 

; Taylor, Zachary 62 

'■ Thompson, Madison M .vS 

'-Timraon.s, Joseph 358 

' Tyler, John 54 

»- Van Bureu. Martin 46 

'' Washington, George 18 

'^'Westou, Willis E 416 



VIKWS. 



Browu. William H 517 

Casper. John M 325 

Heilman, John U 219 

Kanzig, Jacob 409 

Kenuedy, James W 431 

Krout, Johu L, 343 



McKinley, William 363 

Pfeiffer, Lewis 257 

Pfeiffer, Samuel 501 

Sponsler, Alvin J 459 

rncapher. Andrew 537 

Wolf, Frederick 30^ 



h'21 



